Unique feature of Lee Carsley’s England squad not seen for 48 years is more egg on the face of Erik ten Hag
Two former Man Utd starlets are involved for England tonight
LEE CARSLEY is already putting his stamp on the England set-up with his latest squad possessing a unique feat not seen in 48 years.
The Three Lions caretaker boss recently named his second squad since taking the reins from Gareth Southgate.
Carsley’s tenure began with comfortable 2-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland last month.
This week he takes on Greece at Wembley before facing Finland again on Sunday.
And for the first time since 1976, England will go into those games with no Manchester United players in their squad.
For nearly half a century, at least one Man Utd star has been involved in the England set-up.
For much of that time there have been several, particularly in the 1990s era of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
In recent years, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have all been regular features.
While homegrown hero Kobbie Mainoo played at Euro 2024.
None of them, however, are available to Carsley against Greece tonight.
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Mainoo, 19, was initially named in the squad – before pulling out with injury.
Maguire, meanwhile, has also suffered with a recent injury, coming off at half time against Aston Villa last weekend.
Forward Rashford was available to Carsley but was again not called up.
Having missed out on Euro 2024, Rashford has not played in any of England’s last 12 games dating back to March.
Youth development has always been a key hallmark of Man Utd’s success.
In fact, they possess the astonishing record of having named at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad for the last 86 years, spanning more than 4,000 matches.
Ironically, two Man Utd academy graduates have been named on Carsley’s bench for tonight’s game against Greece – with neither still members of Erik ten Hag‘s squad.
Angel Gomes, who earned his first caps last month, left United in 2020 and has since excelled in France with Lille.
Dean Henderson, meanwhile, is England’s back-up goalkeeper this evening having earned No1 status at Crystal Palace.
