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      Lee Carsley says ‘hopefully I’ll be going back to the U21s’ as he casts major doubt over England manager job

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      LEE CARSLEY has all but confirmed he DOESN’T want the England job on a permanent basis.The 50-year-old has been in temporary charge of the Three Lions since Gareth Southgate quit the role in July following a second successive Euros final defeat.Gareth Southgate resigned from his role as England manager after their Euro 2024 final defeat to SpainCredit: PAUnder-21s boss Lee Carsley was named as Southgate’s temporary successorCredit: PAThe 50-year-old oversaw a shock defeat to Greece on Thursday nightCredit: REXCarsley has admitted he’s hopeful of returning to his Under-21s gigCredit: REXThe FA are currently searching for a permanent successor for Southgate, which Carsley is potentially in line to be.But he’s seemingly ruled himself OUT OF THE RUNNING just hours after The Three Lions’ shock 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday by revealing he wants to return to his Under-21s gig.He said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDAfter being pressed as to why he’s hopeful of returning to his normal job, Carsley added: “I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.”And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”The remit was clear. I’m comfortable and confident with that.“After the first camp, I definitely didn’t get too excited or believe too much.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect?“I’m very aware that this job is one of the best in the world in terms of you’ve actually got a chance of winning.”Obviously, I’m talking about that after a loss but in terms of a major competition – and that’s still the case.”Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerCarsley, who has overseen wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, claimed it was “an honour” to be given the reigns on a temporary basis following his appointment.But when flat out asked if he wants the job permanently, he said: “Nothing’s changed in what I said in the first press conference.“I think it’s a fantastic job. I’m lucky that I’ve got a good job as it is in terms of the 21s.“But, like I say, after the first camp when we won two games and had two really good performances, my ambitions didn’t change.“I think it’s important that I give it everything I’ve got for the next three games.“I’m really happy and comfortable in terms of the communication I have with my bosses, so nothing’s changed in that respect.”Lee Carsley has shouldered the blame for England’s 2-1 defeat to GreeceCredit: ALAMYA brace from Vangelis Pavlidis condemned the Three Lions to a shock defeat in their third Nations League Group F match.Carsley said of the loss: “It was a challenging night for us and we were second best.”It’s disappointing. We experimented and it didn’t come off.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have to have the courage to try things, but I’m happy to take the blame for this because it was my idea.”Carsley and his troops will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Helsinki to play Finland. More

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      ‘We gave our soul’ to George Baldock says Greece hero Pavlidis after his goals spark poignant celebration in England win

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      VANGELIS PAVLIDIS dedicated his match-winning double for Greece against England to the late George Baldock, adding: “We gave our soul.”Pavlidis netted both goals in his nation’s 2-1 win at Wembley on Thursday, with the winner coming deep into injury time.Vangelis Pavlidis said Greece players ‘gave our soul’ to beat England in honour of George BaldockCredit: ReutersBaldock was found dead in a swimming pool in Greece this weekCredit: APGreek stars paid tribute during their famous 2-1 win at WembleyCredit: PAIt sparked major celebrations among Greek fans and players as Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley was left with his head in his hands.And Pavlidis has now revealed that Baldock’s tragic passing has been at the forefront of his mind ever since the sad news broke on Wednesday.Baldock, 31, was found dead in a swimming pool in Greece after his wife raised the alarm.The defender, who was born in Buckingham, played 12 times for Greece through his grandmother.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Baldock was in the country after leaving Sheffield United for Super Lig outfit Panathinaikos over the summer.England and Greece both paid tribute to the right-back before kick-off last night.And Pavlidis claimed he and teammates “gave our soul” for Baldock on the Wembley turf as they paid tribute by holding up his shirt.He said: “It is a very particular day, our thoughts since last night have been with George. We are professionals, we had to play.Most read in Football”We gave our soul for him. Condolences to the family.”Today is not a day to talk about football. He was a part of the team, we will miss me.George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31George Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)”This is not a day to speak about a football, this is a day to be silent and honour his family. We will miss him.”The whole day was silent, even now it’s silent. We won and can’t enjoy it. We can’t say much. There are no words for this. I don’t know what to say. [We slept] As much as we could [last night].”Tasos Bakasetas, captain of Greece, added: “I’m very proud to have these team-mates. We want to dedicate this game to George and his family. This way we will try and give them some strength.”It’s a game that shouldn’t have happened in my opinion. It’s not a day we can talk more about football.”George today was our guide. He always put the team above all else.”In France last summer he played with an ankle banged up and still played for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And against Georgia [Euro 2024 play off qualifying final] he was hurt and knew he would get injured and fought with doctors so that he can play and left it all on the pitch. He had to come off at 60 minutes.”We thank him for everything. We wish strength to his family.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      ‘Freedom is the new garlic bread,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Lee Carsley’s England for forgetting the basics

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      A BAFFLED Roy Keane has savaged England’s approach during their dismal loss to Greece.The ITV pundit hit out Three Lions players for ignoring “the basics” in Thursday’s disastrous 2-1 defeat at Wembley. Roy Keane has torn into England’s players after a 2-1 loss to GreeceCredit: ITVInterim boss Lee Carsley played an experimental system in the defeatCredit: GettyJude Bellingham equalised late on for the Three Lions, only for a stoppage-time winner from the visitorsCredit: GettyEngland slumped to a first competitive loss at the Home of Football in almost four years.An inspired Greece – driven by the tragic loss of George Baldock earlier this week – had the ball in the net FIVE times, with three ruled out for offside.It came after interim boss Lee Carsley opted for an experimental false 9 system.Carsley’s under-cooked side could muster just one shot on target in 88 minutes before Jude Bellingham’s late leveller. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVangelis Pavlidis netted a deserved winner for Greece in stoppage time, prompting Keane to tear into the Three Lions.The ex-Man Utd midfielder said on ITV: “We go back to the basics of the game.”The words over the last month or so with England have been freedom, style, attacking football. “Freedom is the new buzzword, obviously. It’s the new garlic bread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But you still have to do the basics of football. You have to defend properly. And you have to have urgency.”Both of Pavlidis’ goals came in the second half and looked preventable, with a number of England defenders surrounding him in the box.Bellingham nearly the saviour but Pickford has a nightmareBut the Benfica striker was still able to get his shot away on both occasions. The lack of bite in defence “summed up England’s night,” according to Keane.Watching footage of the first goal, he continued: “Look at this! Five or six England players around [Pavlidis].”You’ve got nobody actually doing their job properly. “How can this happen? My goodness. Someone has to put a tackle in.”Keane was stunned that no England player could block either of Vangelis Pavlidis’ goalsCredit: GettyEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.Following Thursday’s loss, interim boss Carsley admitted the experimental approach had only been worked on for “20 minutes.”He told ITV: “I think we were probably second best for a lot of tonight. It’s disappointing.”I just spoke about there, we’re going to get setbacks – it’s important now that we respond well against Finland.”We tried something different. We tried to overload the midfield and play a little bit differently.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s something that we tried for 20 minutes yesterday. It’s something we experimented with, it was disappointing that it didn’t come off.”But I think it was unrealistic to expect too much and it’s a case of trying again.” More

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      Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shocker

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      LEE CARSLEY has admitted that England only worked on his striker-less system for 20 minutes in training.The Three Lions caretaker boss spoke after his side’s dismal 2-1 Nations League defeat to Greece at Wembley.Lee Carsley endured a difficult night at WembleyCredit: ReutersEngland slumped to a 2-1 defeat to GreeceCredit: AlamyJude Bellingham was left gutted despite equalising for EnglandCredit: GettyThe visitors were the better side for much of what was an emotional night, following the shocking death of George Baldock.Vangelis Pavlidis gave Greece a deserved lead on 49 minutes, after his side had been denied by a sensational Levi Colwill goal-line clearance in the first half.Jude Bellingham levelled for England on 87 minutes, only for Pavlidis to net a winner in stoppage time.Carsley, 50, was without injured captain Harry Kane for the match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn Kane’s absence, he opted against starting Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke up front, instead selecting no recognised No9.Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer all started in the striker-less XI – but Carsley’s risky line-up never really gelled.Carsley eventually ditched the system, bringing Watkins on for Gordon on the hour mark.He then threw on Solanke for Foden with 72 minutes on the clock.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPhil Foden was substituted in the 72nd minuteCredit: RexCole Palmer was unable to conjure his Chelsea formCredit: RexSpeaking to ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke after the match, Carsley admitted: “I think we were probably second best for a lot of tonight. It’s disappointing.”I just spoke about there, we’re going to get setbacks – it’s important now that we respond well against Finland.”Bellingham nearly the saviour but Pickford has a nightmareAsked about the system, Carsley said: “We tried something different. We tried to overload the midfield and play a little bit differently.”It’s something that we tried for 20 minutes yesterday. It’s something we experimented with, it was disappointing that it didn’t come off.”But I think it was unrealistic to expect too much and it’s a case of trying again.”On his side’s poor defending, he added: “I think with the quality that we’ve got… you look at all the goals tonight, they’ve come from mistakes, which is disappointing.”Even at 1-1, we were quite fortunate at that point.”‘WE TRIED SOMETHING’Quizzed if he will persevere with the system, Carsley said: “I think it’s definitely an option. When you’ve got someone of Harry Kane’s quality it rules that out because of the amount of goals that he gets for us and how important he is for the team.”But we tried something tonight and in the future we’ve got to have that courage and that ability to try things.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This is a period where it’s so important that we gain promotion from this league, but we tried something different.”The Three Lions will look to bounce back on Sunday as they face Finland in Helsinki – with Kane’s fitness remaining up in the air.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      England’s Greece horror show was a stark reminder World Cup 2026 is out of reach with so little quality at the back

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      ALTHOUGH this was the night when England’s embarrassment of riches in attack was put on full show, here was a stark reminder that the nation remains unbelievably thin in quality at the back.Central defenders, full-backs and even the goalkeeper. Right across the board, England have some major issues.England had a defensive nightmare against GreeceCredit: AlamyIt saw an experimental Lee Carsley team fall to a shock 2-1 defeat at WembleyCredit: ReutersJohn Stones captained England for the first time in the absence of Harry Kane and this is not a night he will look back at with any fondness.Stones was one of three players – along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer – who could have done better for Greece’s opening goal through Vangelis Pavlidis.Along with Levi Colwill, he was also lucky that Pavlidis’ strike towards the end was ruled offside as both players were at fault.Yet right at the end, when Pavlidis struck again for the winner, Stones – along with Rico Lewis – could have done much better.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe options for Lee Carsley – and whoever takes this team forward over the next two years – are not exactly mind-blowing when it comes to strength in depth across the back.Over the last couple of years, we should have seen this issue coming. But there has been too much focus on what we could do at the other end of the pitch.This was Stones’ 82nd cap, meaning he has now overtaken former defender Rio Ferdinand in England appearances. He is now joint 17th on the all-time list with Raheem Sterling.The Yorkshireman is even more important to the England team than Ferdinand ever was purely because the former Manchester United defender had John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Jamie Carragher as international colleagues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith Harry Maguire axed from the squad before suffering an injury, and Ezri Konsa also forced to withdraw with a knock, Stones played next to Chelsea’s Levi Colwill who did OK.Yet Stones’ lack of games for Manchester City is a huge worry and this could harm England over the next two seasons.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31He enjoyed a decent Euros in Germany even though this followed the most difficult season of his club career when form and injuries limited him to just 12 starts in the Premier League.And this season, despite playing a part in other competitions for Pep Guardiola, Stones has only started one top-flight match this term.There were times against the Greeks when Stones found himself exposed as England did their Harlem Globetrotters impression. It was a mix-up between Stones and Jordan Pickford which presented a chance to Tasos Bakasetas yet Colwill dashed back to deliver a heroic goal-line clearance.But as for the goals – along with the disallowed ones – Wembley witnessed some Car-crash.Here was the proof, not that we needed it, that left-back is also a huge problem.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.Although happy to play there, Lewis considers himself as a midfielder. Colwill can also play in that spot but he is more comfortable in central defence.Even at right-back, where we seemed to be spoilt for choice, there are concerns. Carsley clearly considers Alexander-Arnold as the team’s first-choice right-back even though Gareth Southgate listed him as a midfielder.Alexander-Arnold, though, was guilty of allowing Pavlidis to brush past him too easily for the opening goal and it was not the only time he was caught out.Kyle Walker, who did not make the England squad last month, will probably start against Finland but he will be 36 at the next World Cup.While Pickford has been England’s best keeper by some distance over the years, he was properly dodgy in this Greek humiliation.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet the alternatives are Dean Henderson and Nick Pope, along with Aaron Ramsdale. All are decent keepers but neither are going to challenge the Everton keeper.Now, there is a real chance England might have to go into a Nations League play-off in March as they might not win the group. More

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      England ratings: Bellingham so nearly the saviour despite new position not working but Pickford has a nightmare

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      LEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.Lee Carsley went without a striker for the clash against GreeceCredit: PAJude Bellingham was almost the saviour on the night, but his late goal was cancelled out by an injury time winnerCredit: GettyJordan Pickford had one of his worst England gamesCredit: RexBut it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance.Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10-1 But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back on to his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham was nearly the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): 6Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): 7Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): 7Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      England 1-2 Greece LIVE RESULT: Disaster for woeful Three Lions as Pavlidis seals win with last-gasp strike at Wembley

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      ENGLAND have been STUNNED at Wembley after being beaten by a courageous Greece side for the first time in their entire history.Pavlidis’ delightful double fired the visitors to an incredible win over the Three Lions.Not even Jude Bellingham’s 20-yard strike could save Lee Carsley’s woeful side from such a humiliating defeat.RESULT: England 1-2 GreeceTV channel: ITV 1Live stream: ITV XEngland XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Colwill, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Palmer; GordonGreece XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Giannoulis; Koubelis, Siopis, Masouras, Bakasetas Tzolis; PavlidisFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Will to winDespite the bruising loss, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill came out of the game with plenty of plaudits after a stunning goal-line clearance.With the game locked at 0-0, the 21-year-old somehow prevented a shot from Anastasios Bakasetas going into an empty net after a Jordan Pickford error. Watch the incredible clearance here. Copy linkCopiedRemembering GeorgeIt was an emotional night at Wembley as fans and players came together to remember George Baldock. The Greek international died earlier this week after being found to have drowned in his swimming pool at his home in Athens.Following a minute’s silence before the game, Greek scorer Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his brace to his teammate.Pavlidis said: “It was a really special game for us. Because of George.”We gave everything for him and his family. It is a great win but its a special night for him.”He has been in our thoughts. He was part of the team and was a special guy.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSunSport’s ratingsEngland’s post-game ratings are in – and it’s not happy reading. One player impressed at the back despite a horror show defensively, while it was another poor night for Phil Foden.Click here to see SunSport’s full run-down from Wembley. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley’s futureLee Carsley remains the bookies’ overwhelming favourite to take over the Three Lions job full-time.Asked about his future following the game, he said: “It doesn’t change [the situation]. “My remit is [take] the three camps, so it doesn’t change in that respect.”Copy linkCopiedSystem woesCarsley has been challenged on the False 9 system he employed during tonight’s loss.The interim boss opted for no striker in the starting XI, before bringing Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke off the bench.Incredibly, he appeared to suggest the players had spent just “20 minutes” working on the system. He told ITV: “With the quality that we’ve got, all the goals tonight were from mistakes. Even at 1-1, we were quite fortunate.”[On the formation] it’s definitely an option. We tried something tonight and we’ve got to have that ability and courage to do that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley fronts upEngland boss Lee Carsley has just spoken for the first time after tonight’s 2-1 loss.”I think we were second best for a lot of tonight.”It is disappointing. We need to respond well against Finland.”We tried something different. We tried to overload the midfield, play a bit differently.”I think it’s unrealistic to expect too much. It’s a case of just trying again.”Copy linkCopiedAngry RoyMan Utd legend Roy Keane couldn’t believe what he was seeing as the Three Lions went behind at Wembley. Four England defenders surrounded Pavlidis, but nobody could get a tackle in to prevent the shot. Keane raged on ITV: “It’s an unbelievable goal to concede.”If this happened in training, you’d stop the training and ask ‘Are you taking this seriously?'”You have got to do the basics of football. Where was the urgency?”Credit: APCopy linkCopiedStones speaksEngland’s stand-in captain John Stones is fronting up to the media first.He told ITV: “It’s hard to put into words. We prepared how we usually do, it didn’t come off.”We have to give credit to them. From the start they put us under pressure. They were very compact.”Disappointing from us. A lot was riding on tonight for me personally. We’ve got to look back on this game and move forward.”Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 GreeceWhat a fantastic performance from the visitors.They rode on a wave of emotion from the first whistle and had the ball in the England net FIVE times. All this without their first-choice striker. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFULL TIME: ENGLAND 1-2 GREECEThe Three Lions are beaten at Wembley. Players sink to their knees.Not even Bellingham could rescue England this time. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+7. We’re still playing at Wembley.VAR did check that penalty, but nothing given. Pavlidis is down with a head injury. Lee Carsley has a very different kind of headache. This has been a tough watch. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+5. Desperate calls for a penalty as Solanke goes down in the box!Nothing given…. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+4. A defensive horror show as England fail to clear their lines. Pavlidis has been a thorn in their side all night.And there he is, at the right place at the right time. He smashes it into the bottom corner past a stricken Pickford.Carsley sinks to his knees on the touchline. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisFootball, eh? And this is fully deserved. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90+2. Calls for a back pass as Koulierakis awkwardly plays it back to his keeper. The ref having none of it.England attempt to get things going again, but Greece slow it down with niggly fouls. Pelkas the latest in the book. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90. Neither team are finished here.What a crazy last few minutes. Greece looked to have sealed a famous win, only to be denied by the linesman’s flag. Seconds later, Bellingham has leveled it up. We will have 5 minutes of added time.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece88. Who else?Bellingham does it again with time running out.A pull back is missed by everyone, falling to the Madrid man on the edge of the box.He hammers it towards the far corner, beating Vlachodimos. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! England – Jude BellinghamHave England just avoided their first competitive defeat at Wembley in four years?Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece85. So unlucky for Greece.They exploited England’s weakness at the back again, breaking at pace after sloppy distribution from Pickford. Pavlidis was there to turn it home, but he was just in front of Stones.That’s four times Greece have had the ball in the England net tonight. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece84. NO GOAL!For a third time tonight, Greece have a goal ruled out.Pavlidis just strayed off before tapping past Pickford. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisGame over? Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece80. A crazy goalline scramble, but Greece hold on.No England player can get a good connection on the ball, with Watkins closest. Still just one shot on target for the Three Lions. They’ve created very little in this second half. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece78. England load players in the box. Trent with the cross to the far post, but it floats harmlessly out for a goal kick. Greece still a threat on the counter, but they’re getting deeper and deeper. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece76. Great run from Madueke, but four Greek players manage to halt his progress into the box. England camped in the Greece half and looking to force a leveller in the last 15.Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece73. Half a chance for Bellingham, but he picks the wrong option.The Madrid man tries to lob the keeper, only to see his shot land miles wide. Watkins was free in the middle. England rolling the dice again. Here comes Dominic Solanke – back for his first cap since November 2017. He replaces Phil Foden. Copy linkCopied More

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      Watch Levi Colwill make ‘one of the greatest goal line clearances ever’ with miracle recovery for England vs Greece

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      LEVI COLWILL spared Jordan Pickford’s blushes by making a sensational goal line clearance.The Chelsea star was named in Lee Carsley’s starting XI as England took on Greece at Wembley.Levi Colwill produced a sensational goal line clearanceCredit: ITVColwill’s brilliant clearance kept the score levelCredit: RexThe Chelsea star was immediately congratulated by Jordan PickfordCredit: RexWithin the first 10 minutes he was forced to strain every sinew in order to keep the score-line level.Three Lions No1 Pickford came racing out of his goal to intercept a Greek long ball.After doing so, the Everton star dawdled in possession.In a nightmare moment for the experienced stopper, Pickford miscontrolled, gifting the ball to Greece star Anastasios Bakasetas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Greek skipper lofted the ball towards the unguarded net, and looked almost certain to have scored.But Colwill went haring after it, before showing supreme athleticism to somehow keep the ball out.Replays showed that the ball had been just inches from crossing the line.And fans were left in awe of Colwill’s amazing clearance.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote on social media: “Clearance of the year.”While a second posted: “Honestly thought no chance he makes it!”New dad Jack Grealish reveals why he would never ask Bukayo Saka to babysit and which England pal he’ll go to for tipsA third commented: “Levi Colwill just pulled off a goal-line clearance that defied physics.”And another added: “One of the best goal-line clearances you will ever see!”Colwill was earning just his fourth England cap, having featured just once under Gareth Southgate.He lined up at the back alongside John Stones, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis at full-back.Carsley fielded Declan Rice ahead of the back four in midfield, with attacking stars Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden all squeezed into a line-up featuring no traditional No9.Just moments after Colwill’s clearance, Greece had the ball in the net.West Ham star Konstantinos Mavropanos headed the ball beyond Pickford following more unconvincing work from the England goalkeeper, only for the offside flag to come to the Three Lions’ rescue.There would be no reprieve in the 49th minute, however, when Greece took the lead via Vangelis Pavlidis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThings then went from bad to worse for the Three Lions moments later, with Bukayo Saka limping off with an injury.Jude Bellingham appeared to have rescued England with a late strike but Pavlidis struck again injury time to seal Greece’s first ever win in ten attempts against the Three Lions.Pickford, 30, endured a night to forget at WembleyCredit: Getty More