England vs Greece – UEFA Nations League – Preview, Team News and Updates

It’s that time again—when club football presses pause for the international break. Yes, I’m talking about the often-dreaded gap in the season. But let’s be real, the international break has more to offer than it gets credit for. With some top-tier nations set to clash, October’s fixtures promise plenty of excitement. And for English fans, there’s extra anticipation as the Three Lions gear up for a crucial must-win match against Greece this Thursday.

England are aiming to make it three wins from three games, as they face table-toppers Greece at Wembley. England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, has given a good account of himself in their first two games. However, the match against Greece will be a true test of his tactical nous. The Galanolefki currently sit above England at the top of League B Group 2, following stellar performances in September’s international break. With a chance to go top of their group, both England and Greece will go hammer and tongs for the win. But which team will come out on top? 

England vs Greece – Match Preview  

Following their heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Spain at the 2024 Euros, Gareth Southgate decided to resign from his position as England’s manager. This decision came as a shock to most fans, as the FA were in talks to extend his contract after another stellar showing at a major tournament. Surprised by Southgate’s resignation, the FA hired England’s U-21 head coach Lee Carsley on an interim basis. So far, the 50-year-old Irishman has done his reputation no harm, leading the Three Lions to commanding 2-0 wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland in September. Despite those two wins, England currently occupy the second spot in League 2 Group B. 

Although Carsley has given a good account of himself so far, anything other than a top spot in the group would be deemed as a failure. The Three Lions aim to return to League A again, following their relegation during the last iteration of the Nations League. It would be a blemish on Carsley’s managerial career if England fail to get promoted. However, the early signs look promising, as players like Jack Grealish, Declan Rice and Levi Colwill appear much more confident under his guidance. Now, the Irishman would like to etch his name in England’s history books by becoming the first England manager to win his first three games without conceding a goal. And the first England manager to win their opening three overall since Fabio Capello in 2008. 

However, overcoming Greece won’t be as straightforward as previously thought. The Greeks are one of the in-form teams of international football right now. They have secured wins over Finland (3-0) and Ireland (2-0), which means they currently occupy the top spot in the group – and not England. Having said that, getting the better of England will be their toughest task of this year. The Three Lions are bang in form, but so is Greece. The Greeks will have to massively depend on Panathinaikos forward Fotis Ioannidis if they want to overcome England. He has scored three of Greece’s five goals in the competition so far. The odds are stacked against Greece, having gone 12 matches without a win against top five ranked nations—a streak that dates all the way back to their famous Euro 2004 final victory over Portugal 

England vs Greece – Team News and Updates 

Greece have been dealt a major setback with the injury to Ioannidis, who picked up a knock during Panathinaikos' recent Greek Super League clash with Olympiacos. As a result, he’s been left out of the squad. With Ioannidis out, the attacking responsibility falls to Vangelis Pavlidis, who was sensational for AZ Alkmaar, scoring 80 goals in three seasons before making the switch to Benfica this summer. Meanwhile, Odysseas Vlachodimos, once a key figure for Benfica, has faded into the background since his move to Newcastle United. However, the sidelined shot-stopper is expected to earn his 45th cap for Greece this week. 

On the England side, while Ezri Konsa, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Kobbie Mainoo have all withdrawn due to injuries, centurion and record goalscorer Harry Kane has been cleared to feature for the Three Lions after a minor injury scare during his time at Bayern Munich. However, with a crucial match against Finland coming up, it wouldn't be surprising if Carsley opts to rest Kane, potentially giving Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke—who’s been recalled to the squad after seven years—the chance to lead the line against Greece. 

The England squad has also been bolstered by the return of Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Cole Palmer, who missed out in September. However, Walker might have to fight for his place, as Trent Alexander-Arnold could be ahead of him in the right-back pecking order. 

England’s Possible Starting XI: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Colwill, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Grealish; Solanke. 

Greece’s Possible Starting XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Siopis, Kourbelis; Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis; Pavlidis. 

Last Five Results of England and Greece 

England: W, W, L, W, W 

Greece: L, L, W, W, W 

England vs Greece – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 11th October 2024 (Friday) at Wembley Stadium in London. The match will kick off at 12:15 AM (Indian Standard Time).     

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