UEFA Nations League: ENG 1 : 2 GRE analysis and worst players 

UEFA Nations League: ENG 1 : 2 GRE analysis and worst players

A stoppage-time winner from Vangelis Pavlidis saw Greece fortify their position at the top of UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B2 with a first-ever victory against England, winning 2-1.

 

 

 

 

Lee Carsley’s latest audition for the permanent England managerial position involved an exciting, strikerless, free-flowing attack that looked to wreak havoc on the Greece defence early on. Bellingham gave Odysseas Vlachodimos a warning with a whipped shot inside three minutes, before Cole Palmer – making his first competitive start for his country – placed a powerful free-kick just over the bar. However, the Three Lions had seemingly traded their defensive stability for that extra attacking threat, and an array of mistakes afforded the visitors a promising spell.

 

Jordan Pickford ventured well outside his area before bizarrely passing straight to Anastasios Bakasetas, whose lobbed attempt was brilliantly cleared off the line by Levi Colwill. Konstantinos Mavropanos was then ruled offside after out jumping Pickford to head into the net, before an effort from Bakasetas was blocked by John Stones’ trailing leg. Still, two clear chances went begging for England before the break, including Palmer’s skied effort and an Anthony Gordon header which failed to match the quality of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ball to find him.

 

England paid the price for their missed opportunities early in the second half when Greece broke through. Dinos Koulierakis surged forward, setting up Vangelis Pavlidis, who skillfully navigated past several England defenders before calmly placing the ball past Jordan Pickford. The joy from Greece’s first-ever goal at Wembley was palpable, as the team celebrated an emotional moment. Pavlidis almost doubled the lead shortly after, but his second goal was ruled out due to offside.

 

England tried to regain control, with the introduction of Ollie Watkins bringing a more familiar attacking structure. Watkins came close to equalising, but his shot sailed over the bar.

 

With only the group leader guaranteed promotion to League A, England knew they couldn’t afford to lose to the table-toppers. As the pressure mounted, Jude Bellingham stepped up. After Dominic Solanke laid the ball off at the edge of the box, Bellingham fired a powerful low shot past Greece’s keeper, Odysseas Vlachodimos, bringing England level.

 

However, just as it seemed England had salvaged a point, Greece launched one final attack. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Pavlidis struck again, sealing an unforgettable victory for Greece in the heart of London.

 

Worst players

 

1. Rice

 

2. Palmer

 

3. Pickford

 

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions have been dealt a potential blow after Bukayo Saka limped off during England’s Nations League match against Greece on Thursday night, according to Daily Mail. The 23-year-old forward was forced to exit the game just six minutes into the contest at Wembley, sparking concerns over his availability for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.

 

 

 

Saka’s injury occurred moments after Greece took a 1-0 lead through Vangelis Pavlidis, prompting England manager Gareth Southgate to introduce Noni Madueke as his replacement. The early substitution will likely make Saka a doubt for England’s next Nations League match against Finland on Sunday.

 

Arsenal, who have relied heavily on Saka’s creativity and pace this season, will be anxiously awaiting news on the severity of the injury. Mikel Arteta’s side returns to action after the international break with an away match against Bournemouth, followed by a Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk and a crunch Premier League encounter with early leaders Liverpool.

 

Saka’s potential absence would significantly impact Arsenal’s title challenge, particularly given his ever-present status in the team so far this season. Arteta may need to reassess his attacking options, potentially relying on other players to fill the void left by Saka’s injury.

 

The injury will also raise concerns for England manager Gareth Southgate, who may need to reevaluate his attacking strategy for the Finland match. England’s depth will be tested, with Madueke’s performance against Greece potentially earning him a starting spot.

 

As the extent of Saka’s injury becomes clearer, both Arsenal and England will be holding their breath, hoping for a swift recovery. The Gunners’ title ambitions and England’s Nations League campaign could hinge on the severity of the injury.