In the context of Harry Kane’s injury, Lee Carsley is considering a big surprise by experimenting with Jude Bellingham as a false 9, aiming to incorporate as many stars as possible into the England national team.
Kane will miss the match against Greece on Thursday night after training alone on Wednesday. Coach Carsley is evaluating his options, including Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke for the starting striker position.
Despite having two prominent strikers in the Premier League, Carsley is reportedly seriously considering deploying Bellingham in the false 9 role, with Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon starting alongside the Real Madrid star.
Palmer and Foden may be allowed to move from deeper midfield positions alongside Declan Rice, while Saka and Gordon will play on the wings to support Bellingham.
While this move could excite fans, it may also attract criticism for Carsley, as Bellingham has yet to score for Real Madrid this season, whereas Watkins and Solanke are both in good form. Watkins, who scored a late winner for England in the EURO semi-final against the Netherlands as a substitute, has netted four goals for Villa this season, while Solanke has scored three for Tottenham.
Although Bellingham has not scored this season, he finished the previous season with 27 goals for club and country, making a significant impact in the false 9 role at Real Madrid.
The match against Greece in the Nations League at Wembley could be a crucial opportunity for Carsley in his bid for the permanent England job, and experimenting with Bellingham will need to be effective. Previously, he has deployed Gordon as a false midfielder for the U21s and used Palmer in a deeper midfield role compared to when he plays for Chelsea.