England facing massive fitness woes ahead of crunch Nations League fixtures in November

It’s crunch time in the fourth edition of the UEFA Nations League as England face Greece and the Republic of Ireland in a nail-biting Group B2 finale.

Deemed by most a travesty to be forced to seek a way back into the top flight, the Three Lions cannot afford a slip-up to achieve this goal under caretaker boss Lee Carsley.

This pair of fixtures will drop the curtain on Carsley’s interim tenure as he makes way for the incoming Thomas Tuchel, who’ll take charge of the team in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Securing an immediate League A return would be the ultimate confidence booster for England following another nerve-wracking defeat in the 2026 UEFA European Championship.

Gareth Southgate’s final act as England manager was a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 showpiece.

Since Carsley’s appointment, three of England’s four outings have ended in victory, except for a dismal 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley Stadium last month.

Redemption will be at the forefront of Carsley’s mind when the two sides lock horns in a top-table six-pointer at the Olympic Stadium of Athens on Thursday.

Where to watch?

You can watch the Greece vs England clash in the United Kingdon on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7 pm BST ahead of the 7:45 pm kick-off.

Fans can watch the game on TV or catch the live stream through various platforms (read more about live streaming all football games here).

Team news

Carsley announced his England squad last week, but further adjustments could be necessary after a high-intensity weekend in the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice required substitutions in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Both players entered yesterday’s proceedings with minor fitness concerns, and their second-half withdrawals have raised doubts about their availability for England’s upcoming games.

The uncertainty surrounding the pair’s physical conditions will likely force Carsley to search for alternatives ahead of a must-win trip to Athens on Thursday.

As if that’s not worrying enough, England could make this voyage without Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer.

During his post-match interview via the Evening Standard, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the 22-year-old was in pain during yesterday’s London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer’s potential absence could make England’s dire fitness situation more awkward, stripping Carlsey of his standout attacking performer.

Must-win clashes

Failing to retaliate against the Greeks for a disheartening defeat in London would be a damning indictment of Carsley’s managerial capabilities.

It would also mark the end of England’s ambitions to return to the Nations League’s top table following a dismal Group A relegation last cycle.

Anything other than three points would leave the Three Lions pinned to second in Group B2, meaning Greece would secure top-tier promotion in their maiden League B appearance.

Even the win would make the job half-done.

With three points separating the nations ahead of the last two rounds, Carsley’s men would likely need to better Greece’s result on the final matchday.

However, Ireland’s visit to Wembley has all the makings of a walk in the park, given the Boys in Green’s perennial struggles.

England eased past their neighbours 2-0 on Carlsey’s touchline debut.

That’s one of their two two-goal margin victories away from home under the 50-year-old, which makes for good reading ahead of Thursday’s visit to Athens.

Despite entering the showdown as pre-match favourites, England would be well-advised not to take Greece for granted.

Ivan Jovanovic’s charges have kept nine clean sheets across their 11 Nations League games on home turf.

Considering England’s notorious shortcomings in the front third, Greece’s rock-solid backline could be a scourge of Carsley’s hopes of riding off into the sunset.