Curtis Jones and Tino Livramento Called into England Squad
Curtis Jones and Tino Livramento have received a call-up to join Lee Carsley’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The Euro 2024 runners-up will be hosting Group B2 leaders Greece at Wembley on Thursday, followed by a trip to face Finland in Helsinki on Sunday.
Lee Carsley had to deal with the loss of Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Ezri Konsa from his initial squad due to injuries sustained over the weekend. Initially, Carsley opted not to make any further additions. However, on the eve of the Greece match, the interim England boss decided to bring up uncapped Jones and Livramento from the Under-21s to strengthen the squad.
Curtis Jones, a midfielder from Liverpool, was part of the Under-21 European Championship-winning team led by Carsley. He is now part of the senior squad for the first time since the Euro 2024 preparations. Newcastle full-back Livramento, who was one of the four uncapped players selected for September’s fixtures, will also join the senior squad after not making his debut in the recent matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
The return of Jones and Livramento increases the squad to 23 players, although there are concerns about the availability of key players Harry Kane and Jack Grealish for the upcoming matches against Greece. Kane, the England captain, suffered an injury during Bayern Munich’s recent match and has been managing a thigh issue. Despite being passed fit by the medical staff, he has been following an individualized training program instead of training with the group on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On the other hand, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish sat out training as a precaution due to a minor knock. With uncertainties surrounding Kane and Grealish, Carsley will have to assess his options ahead of the important Nations League clashes.
The England squad is gearing up for an exciting challenge at Wembley against Greece and then a tough away fixture in Helsinki. With the addition of Jones and Livramento, there is a fresh energy in the team as they aim for success in the Nations League campaign under the guidance of interim boss Lee Carsley.