England took a big step towards promotion to the UEFA Nations League with an emphatic 3-0 win in Greece on Thursday.
Avenging his shocking defeat at Wembley, the Three Lions put their hosts to the sword with goals from Ollie Watkins and debutant Curtis Joneseither side of an Odisseas Vlachodimos own goal forced by a Jude Bellingham shot that hit the post.
The result takes England top of the group, level on points with Greece, but now with a better goal difference and head-to-head record.
Any kind of win against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday will see England back in the A-League at the earliest of asking.
For now, read on for the England players’ full assessments of a big win in Athens.
England v Greece player ratings: Curtis Jones ‘outstanding’ on debut
Jordan Pickford – 9/10 – He made some vital saves to preserve the win and the clean sheet, while reminding everyone how important he is to England.
Kyle Walker – 6/10 – A bit negative with his game, falling back when he had taken big positions. Has slotted in well enough as central defender in the second half.
Ezri Konsa – 7/10 – A solid performance, completing 100% of his passes and winning both ground duels contested. He came off at halftime, presumably with an injury.
Marc Guehi – 8/10 – Tidy with the ball and made a couple of interceptions and important tackles to keep the Greeks at bay.
Rico Lewis – 8/10 – He used the ball brilliantly and appeared in some dangerous positions. Perhaps he should have been on the scoresheet in the second half but was denied by a fine save.
Conor Gallagher – 8/10 – He did a ton of defensive work and did his best to push England forward once they turned the ball over.
Curtis Jones – 9/10 – Absolute class on the ball and alert to any Greek counterattack. He’s made just three of 68 pass attempts. He capped an excellent England debut with a well-taken goal. ‘exceptional’ seconds to former England and Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie.
Noni Madueke – 8/10 – He set up Watkins’ goal with a great run and cutback and was a threat throughout the game, creating a game-high three chances and making five touches in the opposition box.
Jude Bellingham – 9/10 – The Grecians couldn’t handle Bellingham once it got into full flow, driving the midfield with immense force. Twice hit the post, first with a header, then a shot from the edge of the box that beat Vlachodimos and went in. Unfortunate that it is not credited with a goal but it has hurt.
Anthony Gordon – 6/10 – A few dangerous flashes but it was smoother than Madueke.
Ollie Watkins – 8/10 – He took his aim well and provided England with a good focal point, although he was a bit isolated at times.
Substitutes:
Lewis Hall (46′, for Konsa) – 7/10 – A solid England debut from a youngster with the potential to be his nation’s left-back for years to come.
Harry Kane (67′, by Watkins) – 7/10 – He did a lot of work off the ball, including his run to create the space for Bellingham’s shot on the second goal.
Morgan Rogers (67′, for Gordon) – 7/10 – He won’t be credited with an assist on the second goal, but it was his clever pass to Bellingham that put England away.
Jarrod Bown (67′, for Madueke) – 7/10 – He did well in the build-up to the third goal.
Morgan Gibbs-White (79′, for Gallagher) – 7/10 – Set up Jones as England finished the job.
