England travel to Athens on Thursday looking to avenge the surprise 2-1 home defeat against Greece in last month’s UEFA Nations League League B Group 2 match. The match will take place at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis, with England trying to cut the three-point deficit on group leaders Greece.
Match Preview
Thursday’s match is England’s first since Thomas Tuchel was announced as the new head coach, who will begin his tenure officially in January. Until that time, interim boss Lee Carsley takes the reins for the final two Nations League games-first Greece.
England’s last encounter with Greece was one of disappointment, as Vangelis Pavlidis scored a 94-minute winner at Wembley to leave the Three Lions frustrated. They replied strongly, however, to comfortably beat Finland 3-1 and break a new national record to keep their promotion hopes alive. Fourth-ranked England sit three points adrift from group leaders Greece in Group B2. Victory by a two-goal cushion would put them top of the group by virtue of goal difference, with one game remaining.
Historically, England has bossed away games against Greece, winning all four previous encounters with a combined score of 9-1.
Impressive Run of Greece
Under head coach Ivan Jovanovic, Greece has had an impressive Nations League campaign in their maiden season in League B, winning all four group matches. They’ve scored nine goals and conceded just one, with promotion to League A well within reach.
Following the away victories over Finland and Ireland without conceding a single goal, the defeat of England at Wembley- the first time ever- came just days after the tragic death of one of its international representatives, George Baldock. Back home, they defeated Ireland 2-0 to extend their unbeaten record in League B.
Currently ranked 42nd by FIFA, Greece knows a victory or draw against the Three Lions this Thursday would confirm top spot for them in the group. Greece has an excellent home Nations League record of eight wins and two draws from 11 games with nine clean sheets.
Team News
Greece
Suspended: Dimitrios Kourbelis (yellow card accumulation)
Key Players: Odysseas Vlachodimos (Newcastle, probable starter in goal), Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool), Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham)
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Siopis, Mantalos; Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis; Pavlidis
With Kourbelis absent, Petros Mantalos will most probably be brought into the midfield. The attack will be spearheaded by Pavlidis, who also scored against England last month, while Fotis Ioannidis is another option, who returns after injury.
England
Out: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Aaron Ramsdale
(injuries); John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Eberechi Eze (not selected)
New Call-Ups: Morgan Rogers, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall, Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, Valentino Livramento, James Trafford
Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis; Gomes, Gallagher; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Injuries may force changes in England’s lineup, with Kyle Walker a doubt due to fitness issues, and Rico Lewis and Hall are options for left-back. With Rice absent, Angel Gomes may start alongside Conor Gallagher, while Harry Kane should lead the attack.
Prediction: Greece 1-2 England
Without a handful of key men, England have the depth to see it through, narrowly. Greece’s good home form and defensive discipline will make them awkward to break down, but if England send out a more experienced lineup, they really should edge a close encounter in Athens.
