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Wembley was the scene of heartbreak for England as Vangelis Pavlidis netted a stoppage-time winner, handing Greece a stunning 2-1 victory in the Nations League.
Interim manager Lee Carsley opted for an exciting strikerless formation, showcasing the talents of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon. Palmer, making his first competitive start, was lively from the outset, creating chances and testing the Greek defense with a free-kick.
However, England’s defensive frailties were evident. A misjudged pass from Jordan Pickford nearly gifted Greece an early goal, but Levi Colwill’s last-ditch clearance kept the score level. Greece grew in confidence, with Konstantinos Mavropanos having a goal ruled out for offside and Anastasios Bakasetas pushing the England defense to its limits.
Despite some promising moments—Palmer missing a clear chance and Gordon failing to convert a header—Greece struck first just after halftime. Pavlidis capitalized on defensive errors, coolly finishing past Pickford. He nearly added a second soon after, only to be denied by an offside call.
Needing a spark, England brought on Ollie Watkins, shifting their attack. Jude Bellingham stepped up and fired home a low shot to equalize, reigniting hope for the home side. Yet, with the match seemingly headed for a draw, Pavlidis struck again in stoppage time, crushing England’s dreams and securing a famous win for Greece.
This defeat leaves England facing an uphill battle in the Nations League, with only group winners earning promotion to League A. While Carsley’s attacking lineup impressed at times, the defensive issues will raise serious questions as he vies for the permanent managerial role.
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