England Men's Football Team

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  1. Carsley set to make changes with Trent Alexander-Arnold at left back published at 13:44 13 October

    Alex Howell
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for EnglandImage source, Getty Images

    Lee Carsley is set to play Trent Alexander-Arnold at left-back in England's Nations League match against Finland on Sunday.

    Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold has started all of the games since Carsley took on the role of interim head coach.

    Carsley referenced that Alexander-Arnold could play at left-back when he announced the squad earlier this month.

    The 50-year-old has said he will "freshen the team up" following the 2-1 defeat by Greece on Thursday.

    Carsley did not name a striker in that loss and has said his team selection will be more "conventional" for this match.

    Harry Kane and Jack Grealish, who missed the first fixture of this international break because of injury, are likely to come in to the starting XI after coming through two days of training.

    Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also expected to start at centre-back.

  2. Palmer the player to build a team around?published at 15:55 9 October

    Gary Rose
    BBC Sport journalist

    Cole Palmer poses for a photo with the award for England Senior Men's Player of the YearImage source, Getty Images

    Cole Palmer's form this season is a continuation of what he produced in his debut campaign at Chelsea following his move from Manchester City.

    Since the start of 2023-24, Palmer has either scored or assisted 44 goals, more than anyone else in the Premier League.

    While City striker Erling Haaland has scored considerably more goals - with 37 compared to 28 for Palmer - the Chelsea forward has chipped in with over triple the amount of assists - 16 compared to five for Haaland.

    Palmer's overall contribution means some in the game believe a team should be built around him.

    Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast: "When someone is that special, when someone makes you see and feel that whatever happens in the team he is a game-changer, I believe [you can build a team around them].

    "It is fair to say it could be the right thing to do, even if as coaches we hate to say this kind of thing because we want to protect the team and the collective.

    "But when you have someone that good and with such an impact on the pitch, I think the team see that themselves and they want Palmer to get on the ball as much as possible.

    "When he has the ball, it feels like everything is slow and everything becomes very clear in his eyes. He is able to play any pass at any angle on the pitch. I think it is possible when a player is that special to create a team around him."

    Most PL goals and assists Since start of 2023-24 Player Goals Assists Total Cole Palmer 28 15 43 Erling Haaland 37 5 42 Ollie Watkins 23 15 38 Mohamed Salah 22 14 36 Bukayo Saka 17 14 31 Son Heung-Min 19 12 31