England lineup vs. Greece: Predicted XI for Nations League clash as Harry Kane dropped

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how England could line up for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Greece.

England interim manager Lee Carsley has confirmed that he will be leaving captain Harry Kane out of the starting lineup for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Greece at Wembley Stadium, in League B Group 2 of the competition.

The Bayern Munich striker – who won his 100th cap for his country in September’s 2-0 win over Finland, where he scored both goals – reported for duty after suffering an injury scare in the Bundesliga at the weekend.

Kane was not sent home from the camp after initial assessments – unlike Morgan Gibbs-White, Kobbie Mainoo and Ezri Konsa – but Carsley has opted to rest him before the trip to Finland on Sunday, as he could only train individually on Wednesday.

Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke – the latter of whom has earned his second call-up seven years after his first – are highly competent alternatives, and the former may just edge out his Tottenham Hotspur colleague in the number nine slot.

As Jack Grealish is now a fresh doubt due to a knock, and Anthony Gordon is out of form, Phil Foden might get the nod on the left wing, as Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka complete the supporting cast.

Palmer starting in the number 10 position might see Jude Bellingham – another player who missed last month’s fixtures – start slightly deeper alongside Declan Rice, as Conor Gallagher accepts a place on the bench.

As Carsley is once again working without a recognised left-back, Rico Lewis is the most obvious candidate to fill in, especially if Levi Colwill starts centrally alongside stand-in skipper John Stones in defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold should also keep the returning Kyle Walker at bay, as Jordan Pickford dons the gloves after saving compatriot Gordon’s penalty for Everton at the weekend.

England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Colwill, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Palmer, Foden; Watkins

> Click here to see how Greece could line up for Thursday’s game

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