Lee Carsley admits it will be challenging to field Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden in the same starting lineup when England faces Greece and Finland in the Nations League. However, the interim manager is committed to finding a long-term creative solution to integrate them together.

Carsley managed to include all three in his squad for the upcoming matches at Wembley against Greece and in Finland, having missed them in September when England triumphed over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and Finland at Wembley. Bellingham and Palmer were sidelined due to injuries, while Foden was unwell.

Carsley's most notable selection was the recall of Dominic Solanke, who last played for England seven years ago in a friendly against Brazil. He also included Kyle Walker, who was previously omitted due to fitness concerns. Tino Livramento, Jarrod Bowen, and Eberechi Eze were not selected, nor was Harry Maguire, with Carsley stating he needed to evaluate other central defenders. He emphasized the importance of freshness and competition, avoiding a 'cut and paste' squad.

The focus turned to a recurring issue under Carsley's predecessor, Gareth Southgate—how to best utilize players who prefer a No 10 role. Carsley also has Jack Grealish, whom he used as a central attacking midfielder in his 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system. When specifically asked about Bellingham, Palmer, and Foden, Carsley acknowledged the challenges posed by their current playing schedules and fitness levels, but stressed the importance of finding a balance to get them on the pitch.

Carsley reflected on attending UEFA's conference for coaches and technical directors in mid-September, which reviewed Euro 2024. He noted that while many coaches saw the abundance of talent as a problem, he viewed it as a positive challenge. The key, he said, is achieving the right balance, which might mean rotating players or adjusting the lineup depending on the match.

Carsley highlighted the rapid turnaround of matches in the international window, making it impractical to expect players to perform at their peak after consecutive games. He discussed the evolving nature of football, where squad depth and impact substitutes are becoming more critical. He cited an example from the Aston Villa versus Bayern Munich game, where a substitute made a decisive impact.

Carsley will have one more opportunity as interim manager next month, overseeing matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. The question then will be whether he has done enough to secure the role permanently, potentially in time for the 2026 World Cup qualification draw. He expressed confidence and enjoyment in managing the team, particularly during the Finland match at Wembley, and emphasized the importance of giving experienced players like Maguire meaningful playing time.