England make huge surprise call-up for star playing in the Premier League’s relegation zone as one of three uncapped players in last squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over

Lee Carsley has handed two England players their maiden call-ups to two players after announcing his squad for clashes against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall are the two stars in question who have earned their first England call ups.

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is in line to make his senior debut after his inclusion, while Declan Rice and Jack Grealish are also in despite injury concerns.

John Stones and Kobbie Mainoo are among the injury absentees.

The decision to name both Harwood-Bellis and Hall in the squad has come as a shock to many, however both have been in stellar form for their respective sides.

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall (left) and Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis (right) are in the squad

Man City academy gradutate Harwood-Bellis has made 10 appearances in the league for the Saints and – despite their shaky form – has been impressive in defence. 

The centre-back has also made 25 appearances for the Three Lions’ Under-21 side, which is where Carsley will have become familiar with the defender’s ability.

Meanwhile, Hall caught attention after his impressive battle with fellow England star Bukayo Saka in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal. 

The full-back has made four appearances at Under-21 level for England but will now embark on a new era within the Three Lions’ first team. 

Speaking on the decision to include Hall, Harwood-Bellis and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, Carsley explained: ‘It’s a big responsibility. You have to earn your right to be in this squad, it’s prestigious. They’re great phone calls to make to bring someone into the squad.

‘You know their backstory and what they’ve been through to get to this position. I don’t take it for granted. I say at the end of all of the calls: the challenge is to stay there.

Carsley later explained the decision to call-up two youngsters to the squad for the matches

‘Staying and competing, getting used to competing with world-class every day you’re here, that’s the biggest challenge’.

Elsewhere in the squad, the likes of Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes and Dominic Solanke – who have earned call-ups under Carsley – have all retained their place in the squad.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who has come under scrutiny of late, also keeps his place for the upcoming Nations League matches. 

Despite impressive form at club level, there was no place for Tottenham star James Maddison in Carsley’s squad. Likewise for Man United forward Marcus Rashford.