Greece-England: Carsley’s best night gives positive signs for Thomas Tuchel

Carsley first played Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, a position opening up for England, as a half-time substitute for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, while Morgan Rogers was introduced for his international debut after 66 minutes. .

He arrived to replace Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who grows in stature with each England game, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke provided a real threat and set up Watkins’ goal.

Watkins showed he can score goals for England, as he did in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, while other established internationals will have gained positive points to their names by the time Carsley delivers his reports to Tuchel.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains a model of consistency, once again producing a crucial save from Fotis Ioannidis, as Bellingham walked around the Olympic Stadium with the kind of confident swagger that has been missing from England and Real Madrid in the last few times.

This was Bellingham at his best, almost impossible to control with his movements, worrying Greece with his range of passing while also embarking on constant forays into danger areas.

This had all the signs of a potentially worrying night for England given their recent displays of indifference, the noise around Carsley and the growing questions over why Tuchel was delaying his arrival until January 1.

In the end, a makeshift and inexperienced team made the task look relatively easy.

Greek fans felt their anticipation fueled by the pre-kickoff presentations of the players who shocked the soccer world by winning Euro 2004 in Portugal. The team paraded to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that victory, accompanied by their legendary coach, 86-year-old “King Otto” Rehhagel.

England dominated the atmosphere from the start, mixing calm possession with pace in attack, especially on the flanks, setting the tone for Carsley’s best night.

The normally impassive Carsley finally let his emotions out after the final whistle, joining in the celebrations with his players, smiling as he enveloped an equally elated Jones in a bear hug.

Carsley has at times looked uncomfortable in his elevated position, but this was a vital moment for him and England, so he deserved to enjoy it.

If he can end his six-match run with that crucial win at Wembley on Sunday, suddenly the negativity that has characterized the latter part of his time will be replaced by a more positive glow when Tuchel finally arrives to begin his 18-month contract at the change of year