England Manager Considers Bold Midfield Strategy Against Greece

Paul Merson has advocated for the inclusion of Cole Palmer in the upcoming match against Greece in the Nations League. The former footballer and current pundit emphasized Palmer’s exceptional form with Chelsea as a compelling reason for his selection.

Palmer, only 22, has started in just two of his nine international matches despite his impactful contributions. This includes being voted the fans’ Player of the Year ahead of England‘s Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland. Palmer had notably scored the equaliser in the Euro 2024 final, where England faced Spain.

In his column, Merson underscores the dilemma faced by coaches when deciding which players to field. “It’s the manager’s job. It’s the hard part,” Merson commented, reflecting on past challenges faced by managers in integrating talented players into the team.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher has also endorsed Palmer, declaring him the best player in the Premier League this season and urging his start for England.

Interim England manager Lee Carsley is reportedly considering a novel attacking strategy by utilizing an offensive midfield trio. Carsley aims to include Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham in a formation designed to energize a sold-out Wembley crowd. With regular England captain absent due to injury, and other key strikers potentially sidelined, Carsley might adopt a false nine system with Bellingham as a central figure.

Carsley expressed his vision, stating, “I’ve definitely got a plan in place. The beauty of this job is you get a lot of time to think. In between driving from game to game, you are constantly thinking about combinations, relationships.”

The proposed line-up for England follows a 4-3-3 formation, where potentially Jordan Pickford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Stones, Levi Colwill, and Rico Lewis form the defense. Declan Rice, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer might operate in midfield, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon take on wide attacking roles with Bellingham centrally positioned.

As the match against Greece approaches, fans and experts alike keenly await Carsley’s strategic maneuvers and the potential implications for England’s tactical approach in the Nations League.