England make huge surprise call-up for star playing in the Premier League’s relegation zone as one of three uncapped players in last squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over

Lee Carsley has handed two England players their maiden call-ups to two players after announcing his squad for clashes against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall are the two stars in question who have earned their first England call ups.

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is in line to make his senior debut after his inclusion, while Declan Rice and Jack Grealish are also in despite injury concerns.

John Stones and Kobbie Mainoo are among the injury absentees.

The decision to name both Harwood-Bellis and Hall in the squad has come as a shock to many, however both have been in stellar form for their respective sides.

Interim England boss Lee Carsley named his final England squad on Thursday afternoon

Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall

Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall (left) and Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis (right) are in the squad

Man City academy gradutate Harwood-Bellis has made 10 appearances in the league for the Saints and – despite their shaky form – has been impressive in defence. 

The centre-back has also made 25 appearances for the Three Lions’ Under-21 side, which is where Carsley will have become familiar with the defender’s ability.

Meanwhile, Hall caught attention after his impressive battle with fellow England star Bukayo Saka in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal. 

The full-back has made four appearances at Under-21 level for England but will now embark on a new era within the Three Lions’ first team. 

Elsewhere in the squad, the likes of Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes and Dominic Solanke – who have earned call-ups under Carsley – have all retained their place in the squad.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who has come under scrutiny of late, also keeps his place for the upcoming Nations League matches. 

Despite impressive form at club level, there was no place for Tottenham star James Maddison in Carsley’s squad. Likewise for Man United forward Marcus Rashford.

More to follow… 

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