England 'back where we belong' as Lee Carsley gamble pays off in Greece win

England manager Lee Carsley saw his bold team selection pay off in Athens (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Interim England manager Lee Carsley believes the 3-0 victory over Greece in the Nations League is a clear sign that the team are "moving in the right direction".

Ollie Watkins, who started ahead of captain Harry Kane, justified his selection with an early goal in Athens.

Jude Bellingham’s shot found the back of the net via the post and Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, while debutant Curtis Jones rounded off a stellar performance with a late goal.

The win puts England at the top of Group B2 as they prepare to return to London for Sunday’s clash with the Republic of Ireland, which will be Carsley’s final match before Thomas Tuchel takes over.

Speaking on ITV1, Carsley said: "It represents we are moving in the right direction. We wont get too carried away now, we have got a big game at Wembley on Sunday, so we are looking forward to that."

Despite nine players withdrawing from his squad ahead of the match, Carsley remained focused on those who were present, stating: "It is just important the players play to their strengths. We have got a lot of outstanding talent. The players who were not here, we concentrated on the ones that were."

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England’s Curtis Jones (left) marked his senior debut with a fine goal (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

"We spoke yesterday about players getting an opportunity, and we have seen that tonight. People were speaking about the inexperience within the squad, but these players play week in and week out in the Premier League at a really high level."

Despite a spate of injuries and an audacious line-up from Carsley, England's young lions secured a brilliant win with Real Madrid's midfield maestro Jude Bellingham key. He said: "It was an important win.

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"A lot was made of the lads who weren’t here, but the lads who showed up were amazing. I am really proud of the boys tonight. There would have been a million and one excuses if we didn’t play well or get over the line, but the lads went out and did their business so professionally.

"We are back to the top of the group, so back to where we belong.

Jude Bellingham (right) helped England to a 3-0 win in Athens (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) Trending window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241113.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"We had good defensive shape and showed character, the staff set up a game plan which was perfect for this game, with the ball (we were) trying stuff regardless of whether it comes off.

"We are a young team. We are all playing very well for our clubs are all exciting players and want to get on the ball to be creative, so we are going to lose the ball.

"So it was amazing no matter how many times we lost it, we kept on doing it, which was the most important thing in the end – perseverance."

England 'back where we belong' as Lee Carsley gamble pays off in Greece win

England 'back where we belong' as Lee Carsley gamble pays off in Greece win

England 'back where we belong' as Lee Carsley gamble pays off in Greece win

England 'back where we belong' as Lee Carsley gamble pays off in Greece win

England 'back where we belong' as Lee Carsley gamble pays off in Greece win