An understrength England side put themselves in pole position to secure automatic promotion back to the UEFA Nations League’s top tier with a superb 3-0 win over Greece in Athens on Thursday night.
The Three Lions got revenge for their surprise 2-1 Wembley loss to the Greeks last month courtesy of Ollie Watkins’ early tap-in, an Odysseas Vlachodimos own goal and Curtis Jones’ sublime finish on his senior debut.
Express Sport rates and slates Lee Carsley‘s players after a much-changed line-up – dubbed a “reserve team” by Lee Dixon on ITV’s commentary with captain Harry Kane benched – secured a vital three points which puts them in charge of their group…
England player ratings vs Greece
Jordan Pickford – 8
A series of fantastic saves all night, including one to deny Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas in the first half. An even better stop second half to deny Fotis Ioannidis after perfectly timing his move off his line. Booked (for the first time ever in an England shirt on his 72nd cap).
Kyle Walker – 6
Didn’t track Tsimikas for a shot well saved by Pickford but wasn’t too well supported by Noni Madueke in his defence. Moved to centre-back second-half where he looked far more assured.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Replaced at half-time by Lewis Hall which will leave Aston Villa fearing he’s injured. Seemed to limp off after completing all 44 of his first-half passes. Subbed.
Marc Guehi – 7
One of England’s best players first-half, leading the backline well, and was a dependable partner for Walker after the interval when the visitors upped the pressure before Carsley’s charges killed the game.
Rico Lewis – 7
Great ball to release Watkins in one first-half attack. Moved to right-back in the second half. Denied a goal by Vlachodimos and incredibly didn’t misplace a single one of his 38 passes.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Booked early on but kept it clean after that while still being a pressing menace. Understated but efficient on the ball too. Subbed.
Curtis Jones – 8
Capped a dream debut with a brilliant backheel flick finish late on. Looked comfortable throughout and disciplined in possession, putting in a shift off it too. After Lewis, the second-best pass accuracy (95.6 per cent) of any player to play the full 90 minutes and completed the second most passes (68) on the pitch.
Noni Madueke – 8
England’s danger man, the Chelsea attacker gave Greece a lot to think about with his twists and turns on the dribble. Great work for England’s opener and almost had two more assists in the second half. A moment or two where he might have been more aware defensively but does not take away from his attacking impact. Subbed.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Produced a key pass in the build-up to the first goal. Should’ve done better before half-time when driving into the box with the ball and headed off the post second half before forcing the decisive second goal with a driving run and shot that led to an own goal from Vlachodimos. Booked.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Quiet first half despite some flashes of dangerous movement. More involved after the break. His team-mates should’ve done more from a brilliant delivery at a second-half free-kick. Subbed.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Great positioning to tap in Madueke’s cross. Was put through on goal again in the first half by Rico Lewis but a poor first touch let him down when he had the chance to go one-vs-one. Subbed.
Substitutes
Lewis Hall – 6
Replaced Konsa at the break after some tips from Ashley Cole and filled in more than capably at left-back.
Morgan Rogers – 6
Given his debut off the bench and didn’t look out of place.
Harry Kane – 6
Carsley caused surprise by benching the captain. Curled one straight into the keeper’s palms from the edge of the box.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
Put plenty of hard yards in and played the pass to Gibbs-White that led to Jones’ goal.
Morgan Gibbs-White – 7
Got the assist for Jones’ late third.
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