NONI MADUEKE repaid Lee Carsley by inspiring England to a vital win over Greece – after the England boss left Harry Kane on the bench.
The Three Lions required a victory by at least two goals to put Nations League promotion in their hands.
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They got off to a dream start when Ollie Watkins, deputising for captain Kane, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, after Madueke and Jude Bellingham linked brilliantly.
England players were targeted by lasers throughout but they did not let it affect them as they finished the first half on top.
Greece had a period of dominance after the break and Jordan Pickford kept England ahead, before Bellingham took control.
The Real Madrid star is yet to hit his heights of last season but he proved class is permanent as he bore down on goal before striking the post, only for the ball to rebound off goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachomidos and into net.
Curtis Jones then added the third which was the best of the match, rounding off a brilliant move with a delightful flicked finish into the bottom corner.
Here is how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the England display...
Jordan Pickford – 8
Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.
Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.
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Kyle Walker – 7
Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked. Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.
Marc Guehi – 7
Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.
Ezri Konsa – 7
One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.
Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.
Rico Lewis – 7
Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.
Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Curtis Jones – 9
Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.
Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.
Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.
Noni Madueke – 9
A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.
He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.
Jude Bellingham – 8
Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.
Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.
Ollie Watkins – 7
The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.
Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.
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Subs
Lewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7
Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.
Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6
Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.
Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8
Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.
Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7
Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7
Cutback for Jones was on the money.
