Dominic Solanke Called Up For England First Time Since 2017

Dominic Solanke of Tottenham has been included in Lee Carsley’s England team for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Finland and Greece.

For Carsley’s third and fourth games as interim head coach, England travels to Finland on October 13 after playing Greece at Wembley on October 10.

After recovering from an ankle injury, Solanke, who cost £65 million ($83 million) when he joined Tottenham in the summer, has scored three goals in five games so far this season.

His current form comes after a productive campaign with Bournemouth, where he netted 19 goals in 38 Premier League games.

“I’ve worked with Dom before, so I’m fully aware of him as a player,” Carsley said during a press conference on Thursday.

“Dom was very almost included in the final team; he sustained that injury shortly before selection. He is a talented footballer who excelled at Bournemouth and brought that form to Spurs.

In addition to being a great kind person, he has a lot of really good qualities that I truly admire. He’s quite talented, so it’s fortunate that we have him.”

In a friendly match against Brazil in 2017, Solanke was substituted and has since earned one cap for England.

Despite having a great season thus far, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa has not been included in the selection, although Levi Colwill of Chelsea has also been named.

Colwill’s Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Phil Foden have been picked after being unavailable for the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.

After being added to the squad last month, Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Angel Gomes of Lille have maintained their spots.

Carsley did not comment on whether he had discussions with the Football Association (FA) about taking over the position permanently.

Carsley was named temporary head coach after Gareth Southgate left following England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final.

References and Citation

ESPN.com – England squad: Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke picked by Carsley

sportstiger.com – Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke returns to England squad after seven years

independent.co.uk – England squad announcement LIVE: Lee Carsley reveals selection for upcoming Nations League fixtures

bbc.com – ‘Talent was obvious’ – Solanke’s England call rewards persistence