Lee Carsley throws axed England star shock lifeline after being left out of his first squad

Lee Carsley has given one England star a lifeline despite leaving him out of his first squad.

On Saturday evening, former U21 boss Carsley will take charge of the England senior team for the first time as they take on the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League.

Last week, Carsley named his first squad and left out the likes of Kyle Walker, Marcus Rashford, Adam Wharton, Lewis Dunk, James Maddison and Ivan Toney.

Speaking on Friday, the interim England boss revealed there is still a chance Toney could return to the set-up despite moving to Saudi Arabia from the Premier League.

He said: “I was thinking about that to be honest. I think ultimately as an interim head coach I don't think I can rule anyone in or out. It would be really interesting to go out and see Ivan play and see the level and see the tempo and see the standard.

“We've got access to the games so I'll definitely be following his progression out there. It would be good to go and see an actual live game to get a feel of the atmosphere and the pace of the game because sometimes you don't quite get that on a video.”

Getty

Carsley continued: “So, yeah, he's definitely not ruled out. We have to be mindful... I've got a perception of the football out there but I've not been out there and seen it.

“So I think it would be reckless to rule somebody in or out so he's definitely not ruled out and yeah I would like to go and sample and see what the football's like out there.”

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson saw his England career go up in smoke after his short stint with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.

Despite returning to European football after just six months in the Middle East, Henderson failed to play for the Three Lions in 2024.

When asked about his decision to leave out Rashford and Maddison during his press conference, Carsley replied: “Rash and Maddison? There are players ahead of them.

“They are on the radar and will be considered in the future.”