Jude Bellingham hails England players 'who showed up' for crucial win over Greece after withdrawals | OneFootball

Eight players withdrew from original squad on Monday

Jude Bellingham hailed the players “who showed up” to inspire England’s triumph in Greece, insisting the hoard of high-profile absentees would have left Lee Carsley’s side “a million and one excuses” for defeat.

Eight players, including the likes of Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Phil Foden, had pulled out of the original squad on Monday, leaving Carsley to choose from a young group that included seven uncapped players for the vital game in Greece.

Captain Harry Kane - who was surprisingly left out of the starting XI - had been critical of the dropouts in the build-up, accusing some of his team-mates of “taking advantage” of the timing of the year’s final international break.

However, strikes from Ollie Watkins and Curtis Jones either side of an Odysseas Vlachodimos own-goal ensured they were not missed.

“It was a good win, an important win,” said Bellingham, whose shot against the post ricocheted in off the unlucky Vlachodimos for England’s second.

“A lot was made of the lads who weren’t here but the lads who were here, who showed up, were amazing. Curtis making his debut and scoring, playing as he did. Amazing, I’m really proud of the boys tonight.

“There would have been a million and one excuses if we didn’t play well or didn’t get over the line but the lads went out and did their business so professionally. Back to the top of the group where we belong.”