England game against Greece last Saturday. Image: Everything Arsenal Tv (Blue App)
(The Post News)- Lee Carsley’s tactical gamble backfired, as England lost 2-1 to passionate Greece in the Nations League last Thursday. Vangelis Pavlidis scored in the second half to give Greece the lead at Wembley Stadium, just 24 hours after the heartbreaking loss of comrade George Baldock.
Carsley suffered his first defeat as temporary manager of England, despite Jude Bellingham’s late equalizer. Pavlidis then scored again in stoppage time. England were booed off at the final whistle, marking the end of Carsley’s honeymoon phase after victory over Ireland and Finland in his first two games in command in September.Carsley was praised for his offensive strategy in those matches, which contrasted with his predecessor Gareth Southgate’s cautious approach.
But he went too far against Greece, deploying a strange line-up featuring no designated striker, instead packing the team with five offensive midfielders. Carsley dismissed claims from Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke after England captain Harry Kane sustained an injury while playing for Bayern Munich last weekend.
Bellingham and Phil Foden, both used to playing deeper for England, were the nominal forwards, with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon on the sides, and Cole Palmer taking up a central midfield role instead of his usual number 10 position for Chelsea.
Carsley had previously guided England’s Under-21s to European Championship victory with a formation without a striker, with Palmer in midfield. Despite having Declan Rice as a defensive midfielder, England struggled to adapt to Greece’s counter-attacking tactics.
England’s assault was hampered by Foden and Bellingham, resulting in only one attempt on target in the first 75 minutes. England currently ranks second in the Nations League B2 group, trailing Greece by three points. Carsley, who has been accused of tactical ineptitude, needs a win in Finland on Sunday to rekindle his ambitions of taking over the Three Lions permanently.
About the Author
