One player 'axed' from England's five-man leadership group by Lee Carsley ahead of Ireland clash

England's four-man leadership is now down to three after Lee Carsley made plenty of changes in his first squad.

Following Gareth Southgate's decision to step down after the Euro 2024 final, Carsley has stepped up from the England Under 21's and will serve as interim manager for upcoming Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

The former Everton midfielder has not been afraid to put his stamp on the squad, with first call-ups for Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Tino Livramento and Angel Gomes.

There have also been recalls for Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill, Nick Pope, Harry Maguire and Rico Lewis.

But a notable omission this time around is Kyle Walker, who was previously vice captain under Southgate.

Image: Getty

The Manchester City right-back was also a key member of the leadership group Southgate introduced for the Euros.

Captain Harry Kane was of course involved, as well as Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice - with Southgate keen to cover all age groups when they "meet regularly and feed back on everything".

Bukayo Saka was then added to the group during the showpiece in Germany.

Bellingham has missed out on Carsley's first squad as he recovers from an injury to his right leg.

But Walker was fit and made a short cameo in City's 4-1 win over West Ham last weekend.

His absence means only two members of the leadership team are in the latest squad.

Image: Getty

Walker, who has been capped 90 times for his country, has responded to being left out and accepted the decision after his lack of minutes.

As per The Sun, Walker said: “I’m disappointed. You accept it and just try to prove them wrong.

“With a new manager, you are always expecting a few changes. I’m disappointed because to represent your country is always the highest thing.

“But I haven’t played any minutes this season so you have to take it on the chin. I’ve not performed at any level since coming back from the Euros, so I think it’s the right call from him.

“I just need to make sure that I’m proving him wrong in the near future.”