England squad announcement LIVE: Lee Carsley reveals selection for upcoming Nations League fixtures

John Stones is one of only six Englishmen to start two finals, along with Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice and Harry Kane. It also means they have tasted disappointment on both occasions.

“The last time was difficult,” Stones said. “This time it was different, a different feeling around everything. A different process through the tournament with how we played and how we managed everything.

“To get to another final is incredible, and I really believed we could do it. Personally, emotionally, I was upset straight away and then angry. I had anger at myself, the outcome of it. You always feel you can do more…

“‘What if this happened? What if I did that?’. That is just the pure emotion of being self-critical. Not getting there again, having that hurt again. It was hard for me.

“I kind of box it away and try to not think about the pain. It’s deep. It’s hard to witness and be a part of. It is never going to be easy and I feel this one really, really hurt.”

If Harry Kane is often described as a role model, it is not just to emerging footballers. He serves a particular inspiration for one long-time teammate right now. The celebrations for the England captain’s 100th cap, earned against Finland in September and marked with two goals, are fuelling an ambition in John Stones.

He is only 19 away from joining the striker in the ranks of England’s centurions. He has an eye on his own hundred.

“Definitely,” he said. There is a lot left in the tank. “Yeah, 100 percent. To see Harry do that, I never thought I would get 50 caps and to hit 75, I have done that, and 81 now. I got told I got level with Rio [Ferdinand] on 81, that is a massive achievement for me personally and it is a bit strange to say.”

The German press labelled Harry Kane as “invisible” after the striker struggled to make an impact in Bayern Munich’s Champions League defeat to Aston Villa.

Vincent Kompany’s side were surprisingly beaten by the hosts as they suffered an early set-back in the revamped competition.

The Bundesliga club dominated possession at Villa Park but were unable to beat Emiliano Martinez, allowing Jhon Duran to strike late on to snatch the three points.

Lee Carsley was without a number of stars for his first camp, with five of those that played in the Euro 2024 final unavailable or withdrawing from the squad through injury.

Jude Bellingham was among those as he deals with a calf complaint but the Real Madrid star could return in October.

Carsley said: “I was definitely aware of him [Bellingham] and I’ve spoken to him by text to see how his injury is because he’s a player that I’m really looking forward to working with.

“Players like Jude, Phil [Foden], Cole [Palmer] all missed out and they’re all outstanding talents. I’m lucky to have worked with Phil and Cole.

“I think I had Jude when I was assisting with the 21s for a couple of camps. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Gareth Southgate says he has ‘no regrets’ over his eight years as England manager despite not managing to lead the national team to a first international trophy since 1966.

Southgate’s tenure saw the men’s senior side reach the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 but England were defeated in both by Italy and Spain respectively, meaning the wait to win more silverware goes on.

Speaking in an interview with Sky News, the former England boss was asked for his reflections on his time as head of the national team and how he felt about resigning.

Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon to “maximise every moment” after the winger featured in both of England’s internationals against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.

“This is a big season for him in his career.” said Howe of Gordon, “You don’t get many second chances in your career – the years go so quickly, and I can vouch for that.

“He’s still young and developing, but he needs to maximise every moment. He is the type of character that wants to do that. He’s very committed to his next dream and aim and that’s to have a great season with us.”

Lee Carsley says the onus is on Ben White if he wants to make an England return having asked not to be contacted about a call-up earlier this year.

The 26-year-old was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad and went to the 2022 World Cup, only to leave during the knockout phase due to personal reasons.

Asked if he planned to speak White before selecting the squad for October’s Nations League fixtures, England’s interim manager said: “I’ve not planned to, no.

“We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that’s eligible to play for England is in with a chance. As far as I was aware, he asked to be not contacted. So, if that changes then that’ll change.”

Michael O’Neill has made only two injury-enforced changes to his Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belarus and Bulgaria.

Stevenage striker Jamie Reid, ruled out through injury himself last month, is back in the squad with Shayne Lavery sidelined, while the uncapped 19-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles returns in the absence of Conor Hazard.

Cole Palmer became the first Premier League player to score four times before half-time as he powered Chelsea to a 4-2 victory in an entertaining clash with Brighton last Saturday.

The visitors had gone in front at Stamford Bridge before Palmer struck for a first time, equalising 15 minutes after Georginio Rutter’s opener.

A second from the penalty spot soon followed from the England international, before he completed his hat-trick in just nine minutes and 48 seconds of match time with a sublime free kick.

“I love playing for England, when I was younger I loved watching England, I was a big England fan,” said Harry Kane just before making his 100th appearance for the Three Lions.

“I never want to miss a camp, I don’t want to miss a game. I want to represent my county as long as I can. Whilst I’m still at the level I’m at, I know I can help this country to be successful.

“We came extremely close (at Euro 2024) of reaching our ultimate dream. It didn’t happen, but I know I can help this team get back there at the World Cup in two years. Not just help in terms of on the pitch, but my experiences off it as well.”