- England breezed past Greece to secure a 3-0 victory in their Nations League match
- Ollie Watkins, Curtis Jones and an own goal ensured the Three Lions secured victory
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England secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Greece in their Nations League match on Thursday evening.
In the build-up to the match, discussion focused on the plethora of injury draws suffered by Lee Carsley’s squad – with a total of nine stars withdrawing.
However, the Three Lions played as if they had a full squad at hand as they breezed past Greece in the draw in Athens.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring with a neat finish in the first half before an own goal and a Curtis Jones tap-in helped secure all three points for Carsley’s side.
Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE was on hand to provide player ratings for England.
Jude Bellingham played the leading role in England’s 3-0 win over Greece in the Nations League on Thursday
The victory in Athens puts the Three Lions at the top of Group B of the Nations League
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford-7.5
Back in the team after the horror show in Greece last month and responded with a strong showing. Two big saves at 1-0 and the role of sweeper-keeper played perfectly.
Kyle Walker-6
The hosts focused on his side in the first half and he was better when moved to centre-back after the break, using pace to get out of tight spots on a few occasions.
Marc Guehi-6.5
Another steady display and he makes it a habit for his country, without the need for anything spectacular.
Ezri Konsa-6
Did what he had to do with minimal fuss before an injury forced the rest.
Rico Lewis-6.5
Much improved after the bad night against Greece last month. Good in possession and switching from left back to right back with confidence.
Curtis Jones-7.5
Very encouraging debut. Brave in taking hold of the ball and used it well. Wiggled out of a few difficult situations and capped it all off with a smart, clever goal.
Conor Gallagher-6
Walked a tightrope after an early booking and was able to keep up well, but the quality on the ball occasionally lags behind.
Noni Madueke-8
Picking up where he left off after an exciting cameo in Finland, he did what wingers were supposed to do and attacked his full-back at pace to set up an opener. Was a threat everywhere. MOM.
Jude Bellingham-7.5
His best in a long time for England. Beautiful pass to put Madueke at bay, which led to the opener. Always committed and had his swagger back, in the right way. Shot forced second goal.
Anthony Gordon – 6.5
Showed intent early on with run and cross and England are better for that incision on the left, even if the end product was lacking on this occasion.
Ollie Watkins-7
He got the goal well and the team was more dangerous because of his pace and threat at the back, even if he missed a big chance when he was sent clear.
Substitutes
Lewis Hall (on for Konsa 46) 7
Harry Kane (on for Watkins 66) 6
Jarrod Bowen (in for Madueke 66) 6
Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon 66) 7
Morgan Gibbs-White (up for Gallagher 79) 6.5
Manager – Lee Carsley 7.5
His front three – with pace and cut – made the difference and despite losing so many players this week, he picked the right team and got the result he needed.
Referee – D Siebert (GER) 7
Greece: Vlachodimos 6; Rota 5, Mavropanos 6, Koulierakis 5.5, Tsimikas 4.5 (Pelkas 57); Siopis 6, Zafeiris 6; Masouras 5.5, Bakasetas 5 (Ioannidis 57.5), Tzolis 5.5; Pavlidis 5 (Giannoulis 57, 5)