Greece 0-3 England – Curtis Jones scores on debut as Three Lions win to move top of UEFA Nations League group

Curtis Jones scored on his England debut as Lee Carsley’s side sealed a 3-0 win over unbeaten Greece to take control of UEFA Nations League Group B2 ahead of the final league phase game.

Knowing they had to win in Athens to keep their hopes of topping the group alive and avoiding an unwanted two-legged promotion play-off in March, England started fast and quickly took control of the tie through Ollie Watkins’ early strike.

Watkins, who was surprisingly picked to start over record goalscorer Harry Kane, steered home a cross from the lively Noni Madueke to put The Three Lions ahead on seven minutes.

The Aston Villa striker had a great chance to double England’s lead on the stroke of half-time when he was put through on goal before losing the ball, and early in the second half Rico Lewis and Jude Bellingham came close to a second.

In the closing stages, Greece pressed for an equaliser but Bellingham had other ideas, knowing that a two-goal cushion was crucial for England in their search for automatic promotion.

The Real Madrid star made a driving run through midfield and found space on the edge of the box before unleashing a low strike, which crashed off the post, hit the goalkeeper on the rebound and trickled over the line.

Three minutes later, substitute Morgan Gibbs-White found Jones in the box and he slotted home for a memorable debut goal and England’s third.

Carsley’s side are now top of the group of Group B2 and are in pole position to qualify for promotion to League A, should they beat Ireland at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.