Harry Kane will not be fit to start England’s Nations League match against Greece at Wembley, says interim manager Lee Carsley, while Jack Grealish also is a doubt.
England and Greece are both on six points from two games in Group B2, having beaten the Republic of Ireland and Finland last month.
Record England goalscorer and captain Kane went off in Bayern Munich’s last game against Eintracht Frankfurt.
“Harry is nursing an injury – a small knock, something we won’t take a chance with,” said Carsley.
The manager expected to lead England for the six Nations League group games also said Manchester City defender John Stones would captain the side at Wembley.
“It’s a brilliant achievement for John, something he deserves,” said under-21s boss Carsley.
Stones said: “[It’s] definitely everything that I could have dreamed of as kid – for my family to see me walk out as England captain is a special moment.
“[It’s] one that I can’t thank Lee enough for. It was a great conversation we had last night and one that I was speechless in.”
Carsley said Stones’ Manchester City team-mate Grealish “picked up a slight knock” on Tuesday.
“We will assess Jack later,” he said. “We wouldn’t gamble with any of the players.”
Morgan Gibbs-White, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo were ruled out on Tuesday, with Curtis Jones and Tino Livramento called up to replace them.
Carsley was asked about Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, who was recently named England’s player of the season – without having started a competitive game.
“Whenever I pick a team, it’s important that we get the players doing things that they do at their clubs,” said the interim boss. “Also the combinations and players that play together. Cole and Noni [Madueke] have a good relationship.”
Stones added: “I was a huge fan of Cole as soon as he came into our first-team set-up [at Manchester City].
“I was sad to see him leave. How he has conducted himself and stepped up in big moments is credit to Cole. He’s in a good moment and I hope that continues as long as possible.
“What he has done for England and scoring in the final, he has experienced those big games now and big moments and hopefully more of that to come.”
Greece coach Ivan Jovanovic says England’s style has changed since Carsley replaced Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024.
“Southgate did a lot for English football,” said Jovanovic, who replaced Gus Poyet in the summer.
“However, the style has changed slightly under Lee Carsley.
“He has instilled a bit more of a possession-based style and the players have a bit more creative freedom.
“Wembley is a symbol of world football. But the team is not here for tourism, they have a match to play.
“England being one of the best teams in the world, it’s a good measuring stick to see how the team measures up compared to the teams we’ve already played.”