England v Greece analysis: Five Three Lions players looking to shine

Another international break beckons which allows Lee Carsley to stake his claim to become the permanent England boss.

England have two matches in their Group B Nations League campaign with a home tie against Greece on Thursday and a trip to Finland on Sunday.

There will be many looking to show what they’re made of against Greece - and Sports News Blitz’s Jon Shea has picked out just five who will be keen to impress.

Dominic Solanke – Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs’ record signing has been recalled to the England squad for the first time in seven years - his only cap to date was a substitute appearance against Brazil in 2017.

Speaking in the pre-match conference he said: “I am a lot more mature. When I first came, I was quite young, I have done a lot of developing and learning. I feel good in myself, and I am delighted to be here.”

England striker Harry Kane missed out on training so there is potential there for Solanke to grab his first England start - but there is competition in there with Ollie Watkins continuing to impress at Aston Villa.

Tottenham forward Solanke has scored three goals in all competitions this season, as he looks to emulate his form from last season when he was flying for Bournemouth. But he is right in the mix in the England setup to get a start on Thursday.

Cole Palmer – Chelsea

The Chelsea forward was awarded the England’s Men’s Player of the Year on Tuesday, to add to his impressive start to the campaign at Stamford Bridge.

He has been the man everyone is talking about as potentially England’s best player right now, and if he turns in another performance like the four-goal first-half flurry against Brighton recently, he will be the one to watch.

He was largely overlooked in the summer by Gareth Southgate despite an excellent debut season at Chelsea, but still managed to get himself a goal and assist in the final and semi-final, respectively.

Palmer looks like he is just going to get better and better and for England that is only a bonus to their already exciting attacking options.

In the seven league games he has played this season, Palmer has 13 goal contributions already, with six goals and five assists.

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Noni Madueke – Chelsea

Noni Madueke has formed a lovely partnership with his fellow club and international team-mate Cole Palmer.

The two have been a joy to watch this season, with pace, technique and the link-up between them a joy to behold.

Madueke only has one cap to his name thus far, coming in England’s win against Finland in September, and he even managed an assist for Harry Kane in the game.

It is back-to-back squads now that the winger has been included in so Carsley certainly sees something in him that is useful to the team.

The competition in the wide areas at the moment is staggering, so he will have to impress the manager to get a start against Greece - but you would imagine he will feature at some point during the international break.

Jack Grealish – Manchester City

The Man City winger has been making headlines in the week as he publicly said he disagreed with Gareth Southgate’s decision to not select him in the Euro 2024 squad.

He certainly has a point to prove to the interim manager, because he does have quality and is different to the wide options England have.

He carries the ball well and can draw players out of position to create space for others. He impressed on the previous international break, grabbing a goal against Ireland in September.

He has yet to register a goal this season for Manchester City, but as he said in midweek his game is more than just scoring goals.

Carsley is a fan of what Grealish has to offer as it is back-to-back squads that he has included Grealish, so he will be raring to go for England against the Greeks.

Conor Gallagher – Atletico Madrid

Conor Gallagher made the brave switch to go abroad and leave his boyhood club to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

Many may have not watched much of Diego Simeone’s side so it will be a good opportunity for England fans to see an improvement in the midfielder.

He has been playing in a 4-4-2 in Spain alongside Koke and has managed to grab himself two goals for the club in seven games.

He can do all parts of a midfielder as he has a lovely right foot as well as having a very good work rate and can win the ball back for his team.

Hopefully, Simeone is getting the best out of the 24-year-old and potentially could see him emulate his form on the pitch at Wembley if he starts of course.

He has many doubters from England, so he is hoping to shut many peoples’ mouths and show the quality player he is.

Of course, the midfield is an area where England are very strong but he will certainly be putting the work in to start against Greece.

England against Greece is a fantastic opportunity for players to shine at Wembley, and potentially the five above will have their chance to.

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