- Harry Maguire was not part of the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches
- But Lee Carsley insisted the centre-back still has a future at the Three Lions
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Lee Carsley has insisted Harry Maguire has a future with England despite failing to find a place for the defender in his latest squad.
The Three Lions interim boss was once again bold with his selections as England prepare for Nations League matches with Greece and Finland later this month.
Carsley selected just seven defenders, with Kyle Walker earning his way back into the squad despite not featuring in a competitive match for club or country since the heart-breaking Euro 2024 final against Spain in July.
However, Maguire ultimately did not make the cut, although Carsley claimed the 31-year-old will feature at international level in the future.
‘Harry [Maguire] is a player I have worked with in the past.’ Carsley said.
Lee Carsley insisted Harry Maguire still has a future with England despite leaving him out
The 31-year-old was the most prominent absentee from Carsley’s second team as interim boss
Carsley also heaped praise on Dominic Solanke after handing him his first call-up in seven years
‘He has been very positive in the conversation we have had. We have some really good centre-backs who we would like to see play.
‘Harry still has a very important role to play, not only in this team but also in the campaign.’
After missing England’s entire European Championship campaign through injury, Maguire was named in Carsley’s first squad as interim manager and started the 2-0 win over Ireland last month.
Another surprise from Thursday’s announcement came in the form of a recall for Dominic Solanke, almost seven years after his England debut.
The 27-year-old finished joint fourth in the Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals for Bournemouth last season before securing a move to Tottenham in the summer.
Solanke has continued his good form since making the switch to north London, scoring the third goal in Tottenham’s decisive win over Manchester United on Sunday.
Carsley said of his selection: “Dom is a player I am fully aware of having worked with in the past.
Solanke made his only senior appearance for the Three Lions in a friendly against Brazil in 2017
‘Dom was very close to the last selection, of course he got injured just before the selection. [He’s] a player who did so well at Bournemouth and has now taken that form to Spurs.
‘He has a lot of good qualities that I really like, but he is also a very nice person. He has real talent and it’s good that we have him.’