Dumsha Wijesinghe JadeTimes Staff
W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News
Interim England manager Lee Carsley has awarded first senior call ups to Southampton’s Taylor Harwood Bellis and Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. England will take on Greece on November 14 and the Republic of Ireland on November 17. This squad announcement will be Carsley’s final as interim manager before Thomas Tuchel assumes full time managerial duties in January 2025.
Harwood Bellis, 22, made a permanent move to Southampton in July following a successful season long loan from Manchester City, during which he contributed to the Saints promotion. This season, he has played 13 games under Russell Martin, scoring three goals. Meanwhile, Hall, 20, joined Newcastle for £28 million from Chelsea in July and has since featured in all 10 of Newcastle’s Premier League games, starting in seven.
"They’re both players who have played substantial minutes and shown they can consistently perform at a high level in the Premier League," noted Carsley. "Taylor, whom I know from his time at Manchester City and captaining the Under-21s, has been outstanding and sets an example as a leader. Lewis has also shown high-quality play and deserves this opportunity."
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones has also been included after missing the October squad due to the birth of his child. Jones, 23, previously won the European Under 21 Championship under Carsley in 2023 and is yet to make his senior debut. "Curtis is an adaptable player who I rate very highly. He has consistently demonstrated his ability at a high level and has been instrumental for us in the past," Carsley commented.
In terms of injury updates, Manchester City defender John Stones is absent following a recent foot injury, while teammate Jack Grealish is included and expected to be fit despite missing City’s last five matches. "Jack is important not just for this camp but also for the team’s future," Carsley stated, expressing confidence in Grealish’s recovery and noting his positive influence within the squad.
Chelsea winger Cole Palmer and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice have also been selected, though both face injury concerns. Palmer may miss Chelsea’s upcoming league match against Arsenal, and Rice, who sustained a broken toe, continues to play through the injury. Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale has been called up over Newcastle’s Nick Pope, while Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are sidelined with injuries.
Regarding incoming manager Thomas Tuchel, Carsley clarified that Tuchel has not influenced the current squad selection. "I congratulated him, and he’s been very respectful of my role here. This is a huge privilege, and I’m grateful for the trust the FA has placed in me and my team," Carsley concluded.
