Greece 0-3 England: Three Lions Secure Nations League Group Win in Style
England emphatically defeated Greece 3-0 in Athens on Thursday night, topping their UEFA Nations League group and delivering a commanding performance that erased memories of their October setback at Wembley.
Lee Carsley’s team showed resilience and flair in the Greek capital, combining tactical astuteness with individual brilliance to dismantle a previously unbeaten Greek side. With goals from Ollie Watkins, Jude Bellingham, and Curtis Jones, England made a powerful statement as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
England’s Early Dominance in Athens
Fans were taken aback when Harry Kane started on the bench, but Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins quickly calmed any nerves, opening the scoring in just the 10th minute. A sharp run from Jude Bellingham carved through Greece’s midfield, culminating in a precise pass to Noni Madueke, who delivered an inch-perfect assist to Watkins.
Greece sought to respond, with Liverpool’s Konstantinos Tsimikas testing Jordan Pickford with a fierce strike, but the England goalkeeper remained unyielding. Despite the hosts’ efforts, England’s defence held firm, ensuring the Three Lions carried their 1-0 lead into the break.
Second-Half Brilliance and Tactical Tweaks
England emerged from half-time with renewed energy, refusing to sit on their slender lead. Jude Bellingham almost doubled the advantage with a powerful header that rattled the post—a sign of England’s intent.
The introduction of Kane, Anthony Gordon, and Jarrod Bowen on the hour mark injected further attacking impetus. Bellingham finally got his reward, albeit in fortuitous fashion, as his shot ricocheted off the post and rebounded into the net via Greek goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos.
Moments later, Curtis Jones marked his debut with a moment of audacious skill, flicking Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross into the net with a stunning backheel to seal the win.
Interim England boss Lee Carsley:
“We are moving in the right direction. Big game on Sunday at Wembley. Important we now recover and get ready for that.
“It was important that the players played to their strength. It was about players getting an opportunity and we saw that tonight.
“Curtis [Jones] is an outstanding player and I am delighted for him. These players play week in and week out in the Premier League. Morgan Rogers has been really good for Villa and maybe could have been in the senior squad sooner.
“I think if we’re going to put these players in a position where we’re going to go and win the World Cup, these players need to have as many experiences as they can, so it was no slight on Harry. He’ll start the next game. I think there’s a lot of positives to take from that performance.
“We’ve shown in the past that we’ve got so many quality players. I suppose the biggest challenge would be fitting them all in, and where do they all play. But I think we’ve played with that balance, we’ve got so much quality. There were a lot of good performances tonight, a real good team effort, and hopefully we’ll see the same at Wembley.”
Player of the match – Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham said: “It was an important win. A lot was made of the lads who weren’t here, but the lads who showed up were amazing. I am really proud of the boys tonight.
“There would have been a million and one excuses if we didn’t play well or get over the line, but the lads went out and did their business so professionally.
“We are back to the top of the group, so back to where we belong.”
England Player Ratings
Goalkeeper:
Jordan Pickford – 7/10
Defenders:
Kyle Walker – 010 fans are tired of him and want him send away
Marc Guehi – 6/10
Ezri Konsa – 6/10
Rico Lewis – 6/10
Midfielders:
Conor Gallagher – 6/10
Curtis Jones – 8/10
Attackers:
Noni Madueke – 9/10 (Player of the Match)
Jude Bellingham – 7/10
Anthony Gordon – 5/10
Ollie Watkins – 7/10
Substitutes:
Lewis Hall (45′ for Konsa) – 5/10
Harry Kane (66′ for Watkins) – 5/10
Morgan Rogers (66′ for Gordon) – 7/10
Jarrod Bowen (67′ for Madueke) – 5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White (79′ for Gallagher) – 6/10
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