England player ratings vs Greece – Madueke and Jones shine | OneFootball

England earned a vital victory in their pursuit of Nations League promotiom as they comfortably beat Greece in Athens.

Ollie Watkins’ early strike put the Three Lions in control of proceedings before Greece goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net in the second period.

Debutant Curtis Jones then expertly netted his first goal for his country to seal the points for the visitors.

It was a significant triumph for England, who move above Ivan Jovanovic’s outfit on goal difference and into top spot in Group 2 of the Nations League B.

Lee Carsley’s reign as interim head coach may end on Sunday, but the 50-year-old has had a impact on the future of the national team with the introduction of several of his U21 players into the senior set-up.

England player ratings vs Greece – Madueke and Jones shine

Jordan Pickford – 8

It was a phenomenal display from the Everton stopper as he was called into action on several occasions but stayed strong to prevent his net from being breached.

In the first half, Pickford stuck out a strong right palm to prevent Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas from beating him with a rasping effort at his near post.

He then bizarrely picked up a booking in the 27th minute from referee Daniel Siebert who deemed that Pickford was time-wasting.

The 30-year-old continued to be equal to everything the Greece attack fired in his direction to keep a third clean sheet in his last five internationals.

Kyle Walker – 7

England’s skipper on the night played at right-back and at centre-back and used his experience to help Lee Carsley’s side see out the triumph.

His versatility was a crucial asset for his country tonight as the lack of central defensive options in the England squad meant he had to partner Marc Guehi in the second half.

Ezri Konsa – 6

It was a solid night’s work from Konsa who defended resolutely from set-piece situations to ensure the hosts didn’t equalise before the break.

However, with Carsley craving some balance at half-time the Aston Villa defender was taken off for Lewis Hall.

Marc Guehi – 7

Guehi complemented both defensive partners well and was a solid figure in the England backline.

He was heavily involved in possession and the 24-year made 76 passes, the most of any player on the pitch.

Rico Lewis – 7

Lewis performed adeptly at left-back in the first half before a defensive shift at half-time saw him being deployed in his more comfortable position of right-back.

The Manchester City academy graduate was close to scoring his first goal for the Three Lions after he was left unmarked in the six-yard box and found by Madueke, but his effort was straight into the midriff of Newcastle goalkeeper Vlachodimos.

Curtis Jones – 8

It was an all-encompassing showing from Jones who capped off his first start for the senior national team with a stroke of genius.

The Liverpool midfielder was given licence to pick up advanced positions by Carsley and he wrapped up the win in the closing stages of the contest.

He burst into the box and was teed up by second half substitute Morgan Gibbs-White. However, the pass was slightly behind Jones who did brilliantly to improvise and flick the ball into the far corner.

Conor Gallagher – 7

It was a combative performance from the 24-year-old as he was tasked with breaking up any potential Greece attacks.

He was shown a yellow card for his troubles and did well to go about the rest of his work lawfully to avoid getting sent off.

Noni Madueke – 8

It was an inspired showing from Madueke, who was England’s brightest spark in the Greek capital.

It didn’t take long for the Chelsea forward to make his mark as he was the architect for Watkins’ early goal in Athens.

A touch of flair sparked the move off, as Madueke skilfully flicked the ball into the path of Jude Bellingham before receiving it back from the Real Madrid star.

Madueke then drove towards the byline before putting the ball on a plate for Watkins to finish.

The former PSV Eindhoven winger continued to cause issues for Tsimikas with his quick bursts of speed and worked hard to help his team defend transitions.

Jude Bellingham – 8

Bellingham played an integral part tonight and he started his display by cleverly playing through Madueke to assist Watkins’ opener.

He was inches away from doubling England’s advantage within ten minutes of the restart but his deft header clipped Vlachodimos’ right post.

Bellingham then forced an error from the Greek goalkeeper as his driven shot struck the woodwork before fortuitously bouncing in off the back of Vlachodimos.

Anthony Gordon – 7

Both flanks were England’s most profitable avenue for chance creation with Madueke and Gordon asking several questions of the Greek backline.

Gordon was given the responsibility of set-pieces and his deliveries were consistently accurate and dangerous but no one in a white shirt could add the desired touch.

Ollie Watkins – 7

Watkins instantly justified his inclusion as he tapped past the Greek goalkeeper inside seven minutes.

The Aston Villa marksman displayed good offensive acumen to peel away from attention of Konstantinos Mavropanos and made no mistake with the finish.

He worked hard to provide a focal point for his nation before being substituted for Harry Kane just past the hour mark.

Substitutes

Lewis Hall – 7

Hall came on for his England debut at the interval as Lee Carsley looked to introduce some balance into his backline.

The Newcastle United full-back replaced Konsa and played with energy and tenacity to ensure his maiden England appearance was a successful one.

Harry Kane – 6

England’s skipper was brought on midway through the second period and helped his side control the match.

Morgan Rogers – 7

Rogers came on for his national team debut with roughly 20 minutes to go and created the opportunity for England’s second with a neat pass into the path of Bellingham.

Jarrod Bowen – 6

The West Ham winger was involved in England’s third as he played an incisive pass into the path of Morgan Gibbs-White.

Morgan Gibbs-White – 7

The Nottingham Forest midfielder made a lasting impression in his brief cameo. He burst into the Greek penalty area before drilling a cross into Jones, who backheeled in the Three Lions’ third.

Read – Curtis Jones becomes first Liverpool player in 42 years to score on England debut

See more – Five of the best games to watch during the international break

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