Jones stars on debut: Five things we learned from Greece 0-3 England | OneFootball

Curtis Jones scored a fantastic goal as England held off a Greek storm to beat Greece 3-0 to go top of their Nations League group.

The Three Lions had to weather various Greek attacks but were clinical with their chances, as goals from Jones, Ollie Watkins and an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos sent Lee Carsley’s men on their way back to top spot of Group B2.

Here are five things we learnt from a convincing England win…

Jones impresses on Three Lions debut

It was a debut to remember for Liverpool’s Curtis Jones as he scored and played a starring role in England’s win over Greece. The 23-year-old was given the vote of confidence from Lee Carsley to start on his Three Lions debut and repaid his manager’s faith in style. He complimented the play styles of midfield partners Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham, with the trio commanding the middle third of the pitch.

Pickford saves England from further Greek disaster

There should be no doubting of Jordan Pickford’s status as England’s number one. The Everton goalkeeper made five saves including a superb save to keep his side ahead with the score at 1-0. After a difficult period with his club, and calls for him to make way for one of England’s other goalkeepers, Pickford’s display tonight showed that you should never write him off.

Carsley’s faith in youth pays off

After eight senior players dropped out ahead of the start of this international break, Lee Carsley called upon players from his time as England U21 coach to guide the Three Lions through his last break as interim senior manager. Curtis Jones played a starring role, whilst Lewis Hall, Morgan Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers all made telling impacts off the bench.

Options galore for Tuchel

Incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel will already know the quality of the players he will have at his disposable. What the German should be pleased with is how many up and coming young talents he will be able to select if he chooses to. The influx of younger players coming through in this international break and how they performed against Greece will only make competition for places even bigger.

England back on top

After doubts over where they would finish after losing to Greece at Wembley, England are now firmly in control of Group B2 after their win in Athens. A win against the Republic of Ireland will guarantee a return to the Nations League A league, but if they were to slip up, then they would need Finland to beat Greece to consign them to the promotion playoffs.