Crucial Nations League Clashes this International Break
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Three Lions Aiming to Take Top Spot in League B Group 2
That’s right, the Three Lions are back in action this week, resuming their League B Group 2 campaign with a top-of-the-table clash against Greece at the iconic Wembley Stadium, and both sides will be putting their perfect records on the line in this one, having overcome Ireland and Finland over the first two matchdays.
England interim boss Lee Carsley has continued his plan to integrate youth into his squad and this week we will see the return of Dominic Solanke to the national team, seven years after his last appearance against Brazil in 2017. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are also set to don the nation's colours once again having shaken off injuries.
Other up-and-coming stars that have made Carsley’s pick include Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, Rico Lewis and Morgan Gibbs-White. Unfortunately, though, there is no place in the squad for the likes of James Maddison, Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford or Harry Maguire, while the bright young prospect Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa is also made to wait for his debut.
England and Greece will lock horns on Thursday, October 10, and you can check out all our UEFA Nations League predictions for free right here on SportyTrader!
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Germany, France, Belgium Missing Superstars for Upcoming Rounds
Julian Nagelsmann has announced his squad for Die Mannschaft’s incoming matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands, but there was one notable absentee from the 23-man roster. The player in question is Arsenal’s Kai Havertz. Indeed, the Gunners forward has been in fine form for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, netting six goals in 10 appearances across all competitions, including four in seven in the Premier League.
The reason for Havertz’s omission as provided by the German head coach was that he is suffering from knee problems and will not be risked. The 25-year-old’s injury marks a significant double-blow for Die Mannschaft, as it comes just two days after the withdrawal of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, who is out with a hip problem. Mainz 05 forward Jonathan Burkardt and Jamie Leweling from Stuttgart - both uncapped internationals - have been called up in the aforementioned player’s places.
France, meanwhile, will have to duke it out with Israel and Belgium without their skipper Kylian Mbappe, who will remain in Spain due to a thigh injury that also kept him out of the recent Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid. Speaking of Belgium, Domenico Tedesco’s squad are also a little short-handed for the next couple of rounds with stalwarts Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both forced into watching briefs due to injury. Belgium take on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome next week before hosting France, and they have called up four new faces in Malick Fofana, Cyril Ngonge, Matte Smets and Maarten Vandevoordt.
Remember, you can keep up to the minute with all the UEFA Nations League Liverscores here on SportyTrader!
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De la Fuente Rings the Changes for Defending Champions
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has raised more than a few eyebrows with his selection for La Roja’s upcoming matches against Denmark and Serbia by bringing in a whole host of new additions, including the likes of Pau Curbasi, Pedro Porro, Mikel Merino and Alex Baena, while national team skipper Alvaro Morata is also set to return to the fold.
The most notable absentees for the defending champions are undoubtedly that of Manchester City’s Rodri, Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal and Ferran Torres from Barcelona. Rodri's participation in any football this season is in serious doubt after sustaining a nasty knee injury against Arsenal in the Premier League last month, Carvajal tore his ACL this past weekend in Los Blancos' victory over Villareal, just 24 hours before Torres picked up a thigh injury away to Alaves. Joining the trio on the sidelines are Unai Simon, Robin Le Normand, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ayoze Perez, while Pepelu has been left out.
Spain currently sit in second place in League A Group 4 with four points, two behind Denmark after drawing goalless with Serbia and beating Switzerland 4-1 in the first two rounds of the competition. La Roja are currently clear favourites at the books for the next two rounds against the Danes on October 12 and Serbia three days later at Nuevo Arcangel in Cordoba.
All the updated UEFA Nations League odds can be found right here, throughout this season’s competition.
