England player ratings vs Greece: Ollie Watkins justifies selection as Jude Bellingham shines | OneFootball

Three Lions found form to move above Greece and top of Nations League group

England produced their best performance under Lee Carsley to wrestle control of their Nations League group with a 3-0 win in Greece.

The win leaves England top of their Nations League group and ensures they will be promoted back to the top tier at the first time of asking should they beat Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.

Here’s how Carsley’s side rated in Athens...

Jordan Pickford 8

Took responsibility with some decisive punching. Strong hand at near-post to keep out Tsimikas, then even better save to deny Ioannidis. Booked.

Kyle Walker 6

Perhaps erred on the side of caution too often when well placed to cross. Reliable when switched to centre-half.

Ezri Konsa 6

Did nothing wrong so must assume half-time change was forced by injury.

Marc Guehi 7

Advances the ball so well with passes through the lines. Pace a big asset to this defence.

Rico Lewis 7

One terrific pass to set Watkins clear that should have been capitalised upon. Completely unfused by switch to right-back at half-time and almost scored.

Conor Gallagher 6

Lucky not to be sent off, playing on the edge despite early booking. Broke the game up well by legal means, too, though.

Curtis Jones 7

Made his long overdue England debut. Impressive in bringing control during first-half period when Greeks came on strong, then capped memorable night with a brilliant flicked finish.

Curtis Jones impressed on debut

REUTERS

Noni Madueke 8

Directness caused Tsimikas all sorts of problems early on. Great run and pull back for Watkins opener. Unlucky not to have another assist when Bellingham hit post.

Jude Bellingham 8

Unlucky to hit the woodwork with clever header, then saw fortunes turn when second effort off the post hit ‘keeper and went in. Authoritative in the middle of the park. Booked for dissent early on.

Anthony Gordon 6

Never afraid to take his man on. Faded after bright start, one terrific turn aside.

Ollie Watkins 7

Justified his inclusion ahead of Kane within minutes by steering home. Made a meal of great opening on the stroke of half-time.

Substitutes

Lewis Hall (Konsa 46’) 6

Handed a half-time debut. Composed on the ball, including in build-up to second goal.

Jarrod Bowen (Gordon 66’) 6

Missed out on the squad initially but came on to play part in the third.

Harry Kane (Watkins 66’) 6

Probably a bit miffed to be left out. One long-range effort after coming on.

Morgan Rogers (Madueke 66’) 6

Clever pass round the corner to set Bellingham away.

Morgan Gibs-White (Gallagher 79’) 6

Smart pull-back teed-up Jones.

Unused: Henderson, Trafford, Quansah, Harwood-Bellis, Livramento, Gomes, Solanke