Newcastle United star in line for Wembley chance as England confirm injury

Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has taken a step closer to make his first start for England with the news that Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has withdrawn from the Three Lions squad.

Hall was a half-time replacement for Konsa in England's 3-0 win over Greece on Thursday night, winning his first senior cap for his country after an excellent season so far for Eddie Howe's Magpies.

Lee Carsley's side take on Ireland at Wembley tonight in their final Nations League game, with the interim boss then handing the reigns over to Thomas Tuchel, someone Hall knows well from their time at Chelsea.

While Konsa is a centre-back, Hall was brought on as part of a reshuffle in Athens last week, and could be handed his first start this evening with Carsley debating whether to stick with Manchester City's Rico Lewis at left-back, or bring in a more natural full-back in the shape of the Newcastle star.

Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Liverpool's Jarrell Quansah could step in at the heart of the defence in plack of Konsa, while Hall's United team-mate, Tino Livramento, could also be a potential starter at right-back in place of Kyle Walker.

The Man City star had worn the captain's armband with Harry Kane on the bench in Greece, but the Bayern Munich striker will return to the starting line-up tonight. Newcastle's Anthony Gordon is expected to keep his place in attacking alongside England's top goalscorer.

"He (Konsa) has been assessed by the medical team," Carsley said ahead of the game. "The scan results are back and now he'll go back to Villa this afternoon. We won't take any risk on any of the players so - apart from Ezri - we're in good condition."

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Carsley confirmed after the win against Greece that Kane would start against the Republic, having been surprisingly named among the substitutes in Athens.

"It's not the first time I have been a sub for England. Since Lee has been in charge, I have only played one game per camp," Kane said.

"I always want to start every game, I have never shied away from that, we're in a tough stage of the season. But whenever called upon, I will always give my all for the team, whether it's off the bench or starting, I will always give my ultimate effort."