Ollie Watkins celebrates after putting England ahead in the Uefa Nations League clash against Greece in AthensGetty Images

Ollie Watkins celebrates after putting England ahead in the Nations League match against Greece in Athens

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Athens

England will return to the top tier of the Uefa Nations League with victory over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday after overcoming Greece in impressive style in Athens.

Lee Carsley's side gained revenge for the debacle of a defeat to Greece at Wembley in October, and Thursday's win was even more satisfying for the interim manager after his squad was decimated by withdrawals.

The emphatic margin of victory ensured England have a better head-to-head record against Greece after their 2-1 loss at Wembley, leaving the Three Lions' fate in their own hands.

Ollie Watkins justified his selection ahead of captain Harry Kane when he put England ahead after only seven minutes, turning in Noni Madueke's cross after the Chelsea winger's fine run.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford excelled in the rare moments of Greek pressure and the three points were secured in style late on.

The second goal had a hint of fortune when Jude Bellingham's shot hit a post and ricocheted into the net off Greece keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos after 77 minutes.

However, the third goal, six minutes later, was a flash of individual brilliance from Liverpool's Curtis Jones, who marked his debut by scoring with a stunning flicked finish from Morgan Gibbs-White's cross.

After the match the FA released a statement saying it was aware that some England fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on what happened.

Jones crowns dream debut

'This generation of England players expect to win' - Carsley

Jones has been increasing his claims for a full England cap with an impressive season at Liverpool, so it was a dream night for the midfielder when he not only finally made his full international bow, but crowned it with a moment laced with confidence and genius.

England were already on their way to the win as silence descended on the packed Olympic Stadium in Greece, leaving Liverpool-born Jones to provide the perfect ending to a hugely satisfying evening.

Jones had already shown several pieces of sleight of foot, as well as composure in possession, but there was rare audacity about the manner in which he flicked a finish across Greece keeper Vlachodimos with the inside of his right heel from Gibbs-White's delivery.

England went into this game surrounded by questions, as well being threatened with the possibility of a play-off unless they secured the right result against a Greece side who were so much their superiors in October.

Carsley's bold move to leave Kane on the bench paid off, while he was also able to give first caps to Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, on at half-time for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, and fellow Villa player Morgan Rogers, who was introduced in the second half.

England controlled large portions of this game, but it still required Pickford to show once again how valuable he is, especially with a fine second-half save from Fotis Ioannidis with the score 1-0.

Carsley's final game is against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, and he has now opened up the opportunity to allow his successor Thomas Tuchel to avoid a Nations League play-off.

Bellingham's swagger returns

Bellingham has been short of his brilliant best for club and country in recent times, but this was a reminder of why the 21-year-old is such a prized possession for Real Madrid and England.

Bellingham's swagger was back from the first minute, roaming into dangerous positions to trouble Greece, who found it almost impossible at times to track his movement.

He set Madueke clear for the run the led to Watkins' opener, then it was his shot that bounced in off keeper Vlachodimos to stop Greece in their tracks just when they threatened to gain momentum to give encouragement to the huge and vociferous home crowd.

Greece were a shadow of the side that outplayed England at Wembley but Carsley and his players, who have endured some uncomfortable moments recently, deserve credit for the way the carved out this fully-merited win.

It was a controlled, measured performance – encapsulated by the outstanding Bellingham.

Player of the match

C. Gallagher
8.55
21 K. Tsimikas
5.55
1 O. Vlachodimos
5.00
4 K. Mavropanos
4.81
19 C. Tzolis
4.72
3 K. Koulierakis
4.66
23 M. Siopis
4.63
16 C. Zafeiris
4.62
14 V. Pavlidis
4.61
7 G. Masouras
4.57
8 F. Ioannidis
4.48
11 T. Bakasetas
4.44
15 L. Rota
4.43
22 D. Giannoulis
4.37
18 G. Konstantelias
4.36
20 P. Mantalos
4.30
10 D. Pelkas
4.17
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