England hands Greece their first UEFA Nations League defeat

Greece did not manage to complete the “miracle,” 36 days after the Wembley triumph in the UEFA Nations League. Ivan Jovanovic’s team suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat in the OAKA against England’s too many absentees, with Watkins (7′), Vlachodimos (78′-own goal), Jones scoring.

After tonight’s defeat, the national representative team, which with a win or a draw sealed the first place in the packed Olympic Stadium, saw the “three lions” catch them at the top of the group (12b.), with the English even now superior in the draw.

Thus, our opponent gained a clear lead for occupying the first place, in view of the last matchday (17/11) where they welcome Ireland, while our team will be tested at home in Finland.

How did the two teams line up?

Ivan Jovanovic chose Zafeiris instead of the suspended Kourbelis, while at the top of the attack he started Pavlidis, leaving Ioannidis on the bench.

More specifically, in a 4-2-3-1 system, Vlachodimos was in goal, Koulierakis and Mavropanos were the duo of stoppers, with Rota and Tsimika taking positions at the two ends of the blue and white rear guard.

Siopis and Zafeiris started in the midfield, Masouras and Tzolis were on the “wings,” while Bakasetas moved behind Pavlidis.

On the other hand, England, with a total of eight absences, lined up with a 4-2-3-1 arrangement, with Harry Kane not in the initial formation of the “three lions.”

Pickford was under the goalposts, while the back four consisted of (from right to left) Walker, Gwehi, Konsa and Lewis.

Gallagher and Jones took up positions in midfield, with Watkins at the top of the attack (Kane on the bench) supported by Bellingham, in a free role behind him, and Madueke and Gordon on the wings.

Greece-England 0-3

Goal: 7′ Watkins (England), 78′ aut. Vlahodemos (England), 83′ Jones (England)

Yellows: Gallagher (England), Gallagher (England), Zafeiris (Greece)

Reds :

Crossbars: 54′ Bellingham (England), 78′ Bellingham (England)

Greece: Vlachodimos, Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas (56′ Giannoulis), Siopis (83′ Mandalos), Zafeiris, Bakasetas (56′ Pelkas), Masouras (70′ Konstantelias), Tzolis, Pavlidis (56′ Ioannidis).

England: Pickford, Walker, Lewis, Gallagher (78′ Gibbs-White), Konsa (46′ Hall), Gwehi, Bellingham, Gordon (67′ Rogers), Jones, Watkins (67′ Kane), Madueke (67′ Bowen)