As England gears up for their upcoming clash against Greece, interim manager Lee Carsley is shaking things up in training.
This week, he’s been experimenting with positioning Jude Bellingham as a striker, tapping into the team’s impressive attacking potential.
With a big match at Wembley on Thursday, Carsley seems eager to unleash some serious firepower.
Just days ago, Carsley raised questions about whether Bellingham could comfortably join forces with Cole Palmer and Phil Foden in the starting lineup.
However, it appears he’s decided to put them all together during training sessions, along with confirming that John Stones will lead the team as captain in Harry Kane’s absence.
Exploring New Formations
One interesting formation explored by Carsley features Bellingham in a deep-lying striker role, providing a fresh perspective on how the team can adapt in Kane’s absence.
With the star forward sidelined due to injury, there’s room for Bellingham to take on a more advanced position.
Additionally, Carsley has been testing Palmer and Foden in central attacking spots, further diversifying England’s attack.
In his discussions, Carsley highlighted that Manchester City’s Foden is most effective when playing through the middle.
“Phil’s an unbelievable player,” he remarked.
“We’re fortunate to have his talent and mentality, and it’s essential we position him to truly impact the game.”
He acknowledged that while Foden can contribute from the wings, the team may need to adjust their tactics to maximize his abilities.
Fan Excitement and Tactical Options
The prospect of starting Bellingham, Palmer, and Foden together is thrilling for fans who have been eager to see England adopt a more dynamic style of play.
If Bellingham is utilized as a deep-lying forward, it opens up the possibility for substitutes like Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke to step in as traditional strikers later in the match.
Carsley confidently stated, “We have several players who can play in the No 9 role, so we definitely have a Plan B ready.”
On the defensive end, Trent Alexander-Arnold is looking to build on his solid performances against Ireland and Finland at right back, while Rico Lewis is a viable option on the left.
Key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Anthony Gordon are expected to make the lineup, and Stones is set to partner Chelsea’s Levi Colwill in central defense.
John Stones Embraces the Captaincy
When asked about being named captain, Stones expressed his joy and gratitude.
“It’s everything I dreamed of as a kid. It’s a special moment, and I can’t thank Lee enough,” he said, reflecting on the meaningful conversation that led to this honor.
“Honestly, I was a bit speechless.”