Lee Carsley reignites Pep Guardiola row as England boss hits back | Football | Sport

Interim England boss Lee Carsley has dismissed Pep Guardiola‘s criticism over the inclusion of Jack Grealish in his latest squad for Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

The Manchester City manager was irate after Grealish, who has been out with an injury for nearly a month and only recently returned to light training, was called up.

Guardiola expressed his displeasure, claiming that Carsley had not consulted him about Grealish’s fitness.

However, Carsley has responded, stating that the England medical team had communicated with their counterparts at City regarding Grealish, who has since withdrawn from the group.

He said: “So the medical teams are constantly talking throughout squad selection, regardless of whether there are games or not. We are constantly getting updates.

“The medical departments have brilliant communication between club and country. It was always the case we were going to get the players who were potentially going to miss out in to be assessed.

“Jack was one of them. He was assessed and sent back – and it was as clear as that.”

Despite nine players withdrawing due to injuries, Carsley is focusing on those available for Thursday night’s crucial match against Greece in Athens which the Three Lions need to win.

He added: “It’s such an achievement, first and foremost, to get into the squad and then to get onto the pitch.”

“To start a game should be seen as a real privilege and an honour.

“From the outside it probably feels as though there have been a lot of pull-outs, but our focus has been on the ones who are here and are in the building. The ones that we have called in.

“There is a real excitement and buzz around the squad, and I don’t get the feeling it’s been diluted too much. The ones that have been called up more than deserve to be here.”

Jarrad Branthwaite became the ninth player to pull out of the current England squad on Wednesday night and the Everton defender has been replaced by Liverpool‘s Jarell Quansah.