Jude Bellingham has been training as a STRIKER with England – as Lee Carsley considers a radical shift for the Three Lions’ showdown with Greece

England interim manager Lee Carsley has this week experimented with playing Jude Bellingham as a striker in training as he considers unleashing a wealth of attacking talent on Greece on Thursday.

Days after doubts were raised about the feasibility of picking Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden in the same squad, it appears Carsley – who confirmed John Stones would captain England in Harry Kane’s absence – has put the triumvirate in the same team in training ahead of tonight’s match at Wembley.

Among the formations examined was one with Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham as a deep-lying striker.

England number 9 Kane is injured, so Bellingham could play further forward. Carsley has also experimented with Palmer and Foden in central attacking roles.

Yesterday, Carsley hinted that Manchester City star Foden, who was mainly deployed as a wide player by former England boss Gareth Southgate, is most effective through the middle.

Bellingham is yet to play under England’s interim boss after missing last month’s matches

It is believed that Carsley is evaluating his options while Harry Kane will miss Thursday’s match

“Phil is an incredible player,” Carsley said. “We are fortunate to have someone with his talent and mentality, and we need to make sure we put him in positions where he can really influence the opposition.

“Sometimes he can do it in wider positions, but we will have to change the way we play to get the best out of him. He will be much more central, and wider when we don’t have possession. Phil is the most effective centrally.’

The possibility of Bellingham, Palmer and Foden starting in the same team will excite fans desperate for a more attacking style in England.

If Bellingham is used as a deep-lying forward, Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke could come off the bench to play as more conventional forwards later in the game. Carsley added: “Along with a few players who can play at number 9, we have plenty of options in that position. Harry has been the best player for us for so long, but I feel like we definitely have a plan B.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to build on his excellent performances against Ireland and Finland at right-back, while Rico Lewis is an option on the left.

Should Bellingham start up front, Ollie Watkins (pictured) and Dominic Solanke could provide a more conventional option off the bench after a prolific start to the Premier League season

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon are expected to be selected, with Stones set to start at centre-back alongside Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.

When Stones was named captain, he said, “It’s everything I dreamed of as a kid. It’s a special moment and I can’t thank Lee enough.

‘It was a nice conversation, but I didn’t know what to say. I was a bit speechless.’