ENGLAND ARE ON course for promotion back to the Nations League top tier after debutant Curtis Jones’ fantastic flick completed an impressive 3-0 victory in Greece as Thomas Tuchel watched from afar.
The Football Association’s decision for its new manager to start in the new year raised eyebrows, just as interim Lee Carsley’s penultimate selection did for Thursday’s must-win match.
England captain Harry Kane was dropped to the bench on a night when anything but victory would see Greece win Group B2 having secured a historic 2-1 triumph at Wembley.
Carsley’s bold selection backfired last month but worked this time as the Euro 2024 runners-up silenced a packed Olympic Stadium, where Ollie Watkins justified his selection with an early opener.
Jordan Pickford produced some important saves before Jude Bellingham saw a low shot come back off the post and deflect in off Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
England knew a win by two goals would see them take control of Group B2 thanks to a superior head-to-head record with the hosts, with Jones wrapping up a fine victory with a beautiful finish:
That is lovely from Curtis Jones! 💫
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 14, 2024
Not a bad way to score on your international debut!#GREENG | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/0J5pOm05lH
The triumph in Athens means victory against the Republic of Ireland in Carsley’s final match before handing over to Tuchel will see them promoted.
Not the prettiest win in the world but a wins a win. Mctominay is getting better with every game.
A wins a win. Can see Scott moving into cb soon enough.
@Paully Kells: he was excellent. Ya wouldn’t be a bad choice for CB. Mobile, strong can play a bit of football. Good result tonight but performance was poor. But a wins a win
Once again Van De Beek looked brilliant on and off the ball. Go on Ole spring him in against the pool!
@Niall Mc Gourty: I’m hoping that he’s just being eased in. It’s a far more physically demanding league than the Dutch league. But he has looked really good in the glimpses we’ve gotten
@Niall Mc Gourty: Current midfield is Fred, Mctominay, Bruno. Then Pogba depending on formation and players available. VDB should be starting ahead of Pogba. He should be sold now but they have to wait until the summer. VDB will take that position permanently next season. Cavanis form means Ole prefers the 4-3-3 again so not much room if you want Martial and Rashford starting
@Dave O Keeffe: Sums it up perfectly.
@Alan Kenny: Yeah he prefers Pogba, Pogba will need to be smarter in possession against Liverpool, Bruno is allowed to try things and take risks but the other 3 have to be more sensible that’s why i think Van de Beek should start plus hes a harder worker than Pogba. I’m expecting him to go with the 4 in midfield and 2 up top against Liverpool.
Wait….. What…. No penalty?