England vs Greece predictions: Carsley's Lions should extend winning streak

James Milton
Spotlight
Lee Carsley won his opening two games in charge of England and now has Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham to call on
Lee Carsley won his opening two games in charge of England and now has Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham to call on

- Only one of England's last 15 internationals produced over 3.5 goals
- Six of Greece's last seven Nations League away matches ended with under 2.5 goals
- Recommended bet: England to win 3-0

England made a promising start to their Nations League campaign under interim manager Lee Carsley, beating both Republic of Ireland and Finland 2-0 last month.

Carsley is targeting another comprehensive victory at home to Greece as he bids to enhance his claims to get the England job on a permanent basis. 

The Greeks missed out on a place at Euro 2024, losing on penalties to Georgia in the play-offs, but they have also taken six points out of six in Nations League Group B2.

Team news

Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Ezri Konsa have withdrawn from the squad but Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Kyle Walker and Cole Palmer are available after missing September's internationals.

Record goalscorer Harry Kane has been struggling with an ankle injury so Ollie Watkins or the recalled Dominic Solanke may start up front.

Greece are missing first-choice striker Fotis Ioannidis, who suffered an adductor injury in Sunday's clash between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, so Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis should lead the line.

The stats

Ivan Jovanovic's Greece have won their opening two games to take top spot in the group
Ivan Jovanovic's Greece have won their opening two games to take top spot in the group

Only one of England's last 15 internationals produced over 3.5 goals.

The Three Lions won both of September's Nations League matches by a 2-0 scoreline.

Both teams have scored in only one of England's last six Nations League home games.

Greece have won their last three games to nil.

Four of the Greeks' last six victories were by a 2-0 margin.

Six of Greece's last seven Nations League away matches ended with under 2.5 goals.

Prediction

After losing to Spain in the final of Euro 2024, England made a flying start to life under Lee Carsley, scoring twice in the first 26 minutes on their Nations League trip to the Republic of Ireland.

They failed to add to those early goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish and needed a second-half brace from Harry Kane to seal a 2-0 home win over Finland.

However, with the creative talents of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer back in the squad, a more comfortable victory is expected when Greece visit Wembley.

The Greeks also had a successful September, beating Finland 3-0 at home before a 2-0 away win over the Irish, but taking on England is a step up in class.

Greece, shock winners of Euro 2004, failed to qualify for the last three European Championship finals and the injury to striker Fotis Ioannidis, who scored three of their five goals last month, is a blow.

England's attacking players know there is fierce competition for starting spots — Palmer was used as a substitute at the Euros despite a stunning first season at Chelsea — so a 3-0 victory for the hosts appeals in the correct-score market.

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Tags

EnglandGreeceUEFA Nations League B