Lee Carsley responds to Pep Guardiola’s criticism of Jack Grealish’s England call-up and shares his perspective on Manchester City’s involvement.

After controversy over Jack Grealish’s fitness between club and country, England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, responded to criticism from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola expressed frustration over Grealish’s selection for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, saying Grealish was not fit and claiming a lack of proper communication from the Football Association (FA).

Despite eight withdrawals from the England squad, including Grealish, Carsley pointed out that Grealish had indeed reported as expected, only to be examined and sent back. Carsley praised the communication between the FA and City medical teams, calling it “brilliant.”

Carsley said: “The medical teams are in regular contact throughout squad selection, game or no game. We receive constant updates. The communication between club and country medical teams is excellent.”

England faces pressure to beat Greece in Athens to stay in contention to top their group and avoid a Nations League play-off in March. However, they will be without several key players, including Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Carsley dismissed the idea that player absences showed a lack of respect for the national team or his interim role, acknowledging: “November is always challenging due to the number of games players are involved in. Many injuries require management through this period, and historically we lose a fair number of players in November.”

He also saw a positive side, saying, “The upside is we can bring in other players and give them opportunities. We’re still in a strong position and excited for the game. It’s a great chance for some standby players to step up.”