England in crisis as eight players pull out of squad ahead of Nations League games this week

Lee Carsley has been forced to make a number of changes to his squad, with eight players dropping out ahead of Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

England will face in-form Greece at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday before hosting Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Last week, interim manager Carsley picked a 26-man group for the double-header but on Monday afternoon, it emerged that eight players have dropped out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered a hamstring injury against Aston Villa at the weekend, will miss out alongside Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

As a result, Carsley has decided to bring in a number of replacements.

West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen will now feature in his squad alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento, James Trafford and Morgan Rogers, who has been handed his first England call-up after a superb campaign for Aston Villa.

A 23-man squad will now prepare for the upcoming games.

Last week, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola criticised Carsley’s decision to pick Jack Grealish for England’s Nations League matches.

Grealish, who wasn't featured for the Citizens since their win over Wolves on October 20, was ruled out of their Premier League clash against Brighton on Saturday.

Ahead of the game, Guardiola voiced his concerns. “National teams always play in this period and I’m always pleased for players to go – when they are fit and they haven’t struggled for the past one, two, three or four weeks,” he said.

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It was pointed out to Guardiola that Carsley had mentioned the fact that Grealish had returned to training.

“In 17 days he didn’t train once," the Spaniard continued. "Today was the first training and he trained for 20 minutes. That is the reality. Yes, he was in the gym for a few minutes for the past two days but it’s a question for the manager from the UK (England) – I’m not involved.”

Guardiola added: "They can select who they want,” added Guardiola. “Jack has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm.”

Thoughts on England's squad ahead of games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland? Let us know in the comments.