In England’s 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League, Jack Grealish was the only Manchester City player to be handed a start.
Both John Stones and Rico Lewis were on the bench — with the latter coming off the bench and also taking the armband off the substituted Harry Kane.
However, both Stones and Lewis will be hoping to start on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old is yet to have started a single game this campaign and his aim would be to get minutes in his legs before returning to the Etihad Stadium.
After the international break, Stones’ involvement will be necessary as he would need up to up his match fitness ahead of Manchester City’s games against top sides like Inter Milan and Arsenal shortly.
Lewis’ driving factors must be quite different to Stones in this regard.
- READ MORE: Who is Rico Lewis? The Man City prodigy who is one of the best Pep Guardiola has ever trained
Man City star set to start for England against Finland in the Nations League
Unlike the former Everton centre-back, the 19-year-old is not a starter for the Three Lions yet.
However, Lewis would be hoping that he gets a chance to display his talents in an England shirt against Finland.
With Lee Carsley managing England on an interim basis, the youngster could be far likelier than he was under Gareth Southgate to become a regular in the starting XI.
Furthermore, the £25,000-a-week man would also be hoping that his excellent form at the start of the season is being rewarded.
Gabby Agbonlahor praised Lewis’ form, describing him as “outstanding” and stating that this campaign, he could establish himself as his nation’s first-choice right-back.
As per a report by the Daily Mail, Lee Carsley is set to hand Lewis his second start for England against Finland.
The Bury-born wonderkid looks like he will be joined by Stones in the starting line-up as well.
Rico Lewis always performs when all eyes are on him
Despite being as young as he is, Lewis seems to be a player any manager can bank on to perform against any side in the world.
Pep Guardiola certainly has been able to, starting the versatile technician against Chelsea at the start of the season; a game where he was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Lewis could naturally be feeling the nerves if he does start against Finland.
The Englishman does not have much international experience and representing one’s country can be an overwhelming feeling.
But Lewis seems to have a cool head on his shoulders and after he settles into proceedings, he is likelier to perform as he tends to for Manchester City as well.
