England earned a significant victory of their pursuit of Nations League promotiom as they comfortably beat Greece in Athens.
Ollie Watkins’ early strike put the Three Lions accountable for proceedings earlier than Greece goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos inadvertently diverted the ball into his personal internet within the second interval.
Debutant Curtis Jones then expertly netted his first aim for his nation to seal the factors for the guests.
It was a major triumph for England, who transfer above Ivan Jovanovic’s outfit on aim distinction and into high spot in Group 2 of the Nations League B.
Lee Carsley’s reign as interim head coach might finish on Sunday, however the 50-year-old has had a impression on the way forward for the nationwide workforce with the introduction of a number of of his U21 gamers into the senior set-up.
England participant rankings vs Greece – Madueke and Jones shine
Jordan Pickford – 8
It was an exceptional show from the Everton stopper as he was known as into motion on a number of events however stayed sturdy to stop his internet from being breached.
Within the first half, Pickford caught out a robust proper palm to stop Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas from beating him with a rasping effort at his close to publish.
High cease from Jordan Pickford! #ITVFootball | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/3n9RTugI1C
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) November 14, 2024
He then bizarrely picked up a reserving within the twenty seventh minute from referee Daniel Siebert who deemed that Pickford was time-wasting.
The 30-year-old continued to be equal to the whole lot the Greece assault fired in his path to maintain a 3rd clear sheet in his final 5 internationals.
Kyle Walker – 7
England’s skipper on the night time performed at right-back and at centre-back and used his expertise to assist Lee Carsley’s facet see out the triumph.
His versatility was a vital asset for his nation tonight as the dearth of central defensive choices within the England squad meant he needed to accomplice Marc Guehi within the second half.
Ezri Konsa – 6
It was a stable night time’s work from Konsa who defended resolutely from set-piece conditions to make sure the hosts didn’t equalise earlier than the break.
Nonetheless, with Carsley craving some stability at half-time the Aston Villa defender was taken off for Lewis Corridor.
Marc Guehi – 7
Guehi complemented each defensive companions nicely and was a stable determine within the England backline.
He was closely concerned in possession and the 24-year made 76 passes, probably the most of any participant on the pitch.
Rico Lewis – 7
Lewis carried out adeptly at left-back within the first half earlier than a defensive shift at half-time noticed him being deployed in his extra comfy place of right-back.
The Manchester Metropolis academy graduate was near scoring his first aim for the Three Lions after he was left unmarked within the six-yard field and located by Madueke, however his effort was straight into the midriff of Newcastle goalkeeper Vlachodimos.
Curtis Jones – 8
It was an all-encompassing displaying from Jones who capped off his first begin for the senior nationwide workforce with a stroke of genius.
The Liverpool midfielder was given licence to choose up superior positions by Carsley and he wrapped up the win within the closing levels of the competition.
Curtis Jones’ first England sport by numbers:
– 1 aim
– 96% passing accuracy (65/68)
– 7 duels gained
– 7x possession gained
– 4 tackles
– 2 fouls gained
– 1 interceptionDebuts don’t get significantly better. pic.twitter.com/Cur1nHlLrb
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) November 14, 2024
He burst into the field and was teed up by second half substitute Morgan Gibbs-White. Nonetheless, the go was barely behind Jones who did brilliantly to improvise and flick the ball into the far nook.
Conor Gallagher – 7
It was a combative efficiency from the 24-year-old as he was tasked with breaking apart any potential Greece assaults.
He was proven a yellow card for his troubles and did nicely to go about the remainder of his work lawfully to keep away from getting despatched off.
Noni Madueke – 8
It was an impressed displaying from Madueke, who was England’s brightest spark within the Greek capital.
It didn’t take lengthy for the Chelsea ahead to make his mark as he was the architect for Watkins’ early aim in Athens.
A contact of aptitude sparked the transfer off, as Madueke skilfully flicked the ball into the trail of Jude Bellingham earlier than receiving it again from the Actual Madrid star.
Noni Madueke misplaced simply two of his 32 passes, gained 4 of his six duels, created extra probabilities (3) than some other participant on the pitch and supplied an help in opposition to Greece.
Proving he’s prepared for the massive stage.
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 14, 2024
Madueke then drove in the direction of the byline earlier than placing the ball on a plate for Watkins to complete.
The previous PSV Eindhoven winger continued to trigger points for Tsimikas along with his fast bursts of pace and labored arduous to assist his workforce defend transitions.
Jude Bellingham – 8
Bellingham performed an integral half tonight and he began his show by cleverly taking part in via Madueke to help Watkins’ opener.
He was inches away from doubling England’s benefit inside ten minutes of the restart however his deft header clipped Vlachodimos’ proper publish.
Bellingham then compelled an error from the Greek goalkeeper as his pushed shot struck the woodwork earlier than fortuitously bouncing in off the again of Vlachodimos.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Each flanks have been England’s most worthwhile avenue for probability creation with Madueke and Gordon asking a number of questions of the Greek backline.
Gordon was given the duty of set-pieces and his deliveries have been persistently correct and harmful however nobody in a white shirt may add the specified contact.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Watkins immediately justified his inclusion as he tapped previous the Greek goalkeeper inside seven minutes.
The Aston Villa marksman displayed good offensive acumen to peel away from consideration of Konstantinos Mavropanos and made no mistake with the end.
That’s why Ollie Watkins is within the workforce! #ITVFootball | #NationsLeague | @AVFCOfficial | @England pic.twitter.com/GtJgbPHpnz
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) November 14, 2024
He labored arduous to offer a focus for his nation earlier than being substituted for Harry Kane simply previous the hour mark.
Substitutes
Lewis Corridor – 7
Corridor got here on for his England debut on the interval as Lee Carsley seemed to introduce some stability into his backline.
The Newcastle United full-back changed Konsa and performed with power and tenacity to make sure his maiden England look was a profitable one.
Harry Kane – 6
England’s skipper was introduced on halfway via the second interval and helped his facet management the match.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Rogers got here on for his nationwide workforce debut with roughly 20 minutes to go and created the chance for England’s second with a neat go into the trail of Bellingham.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
The West Ham winger was concerned in England’s third as he performed an incisive go into the trail of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Morgan Gibbs-White – 7
The Nottingham Forest midfielder made an enduring impression in his transient cameo. He burst into the Greek penalty space earlier than drilling a cross into Jones, who backheeled within the Three Lions’ third.
Learn – Curtis Jones turns into first Liverpool participant in 42 years to attain on England debut
See extra – 5 of one of the best video games to observe in the course of the worldwide break
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