Expectations are low before England close their uneven Nations League campaign with Thursday’s trip to Greece and Sunday’s home game against the Republic of Ireland. The withdrawals are piling up, fatigue is rising and Thomas Tuchel has decided that he has better things to do than show up to watch the team that he will inherit from Lee Carsley in January.
Yet there is still meaning to be found in these fixtures and if Tuchel could ask for one favour from Carsley it would surely be to leave him a functioning left-back. England, who clambered to the final of Euro 2024 with the right‑footed Kieran Trippier dutifully playing on his weaker side while Luke Shaw battled for full fitness, are crying out for someone to step up and make the position their own.
