England boss Lee Carsley shuns 10 Arsenal and Liverpool stars to watch two particular players



It was a feature of the Arsene Wenger era but now Mikel Arteta is once again using the EFL Cup to give some youngsters valuable experience. 

16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter was the headline-maker in their starting XI to face Bolton Wanderers. However, he’s joined by the more familiar names of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Josh Nichols.

That bright-eyed quarter is guided by a more senior cast that includes Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and, making his first Arsenal start, Raheem Sterling.

In case you hadn’t noticed, that’s seven English players in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, up north at Anfield, Arne Slot has fielded a very strong team to face West Ham United that includes English trio Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones.

And that’s not to mention the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Max Kilman in the West Ham team.

Lee Carsley snubs Arsenal and Liverpool to watch Man Utd

Rashford will have a point to prove to Lee Carsley. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

With 10 English players starting for two of the nation’s biggest clubs, you might think that Three Lions interim manager Lee Carsley would have a very close eye on Wednesday’s EFL Cup action.

However, as spotted by BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Carsley instead took his place at Old Trafford to take in Manchester United’s Europa League clash with FC Twente.

The Red Devils named two English players in their starting line-up for the visit of Erik ten Hag’s former club.

Harry Maguire anchors the defence having returned to the England set-up in the previous international break.

But up-front, Marcus Rashford will feel like he has a point to prove having not been called up by his country since before Euro 2024.