Greece vs England

It’s a day of reckoning in the UEFA Nations League Group B2 as Greece and England face each other in a top-table six-pointer at the Olympic Stadium of Athens.

Standing on the brink of history, Greece could secure automatic playoff qualification in their maiden League B appearance by avoiding defeat in this heavyweight clash. Buoyed by a stunning 2-1 win at Wembley in the reverse fixture, Ivan Jovanovic’s men head into proceedings keen to protect their 100% win ratio in Group A2 (W4) and lock down a top place with a game to spare. However, that task is nothing short of Herculean, considering they had won none of their nine previous H2Hs (D2, L7). But they can draw heart from a formidable home record in the Nations League. Indeed, they’ve kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 11 home outings in this competition (W8, D2, L1). It increases the likelihood of Greece’s first-ever home win against England on home soil (L4).

Yet, the visitors will be out to get revenge after a shock home loss last month and solidify their pursuit of an immediate League A return. Lee Carsley’s side bounced back from a Wembley heartache with a 3-1 win at Finland, but they still need a multi-goal margin win in Athens to ascend the throne. The interim boss has overseen consecutive two-goal margin wins on the road, suggesting he could run out triumphant in his last away game in charge. With the incoming Thomas Tuchel preparing to take over the reins in 2025, Carsley’s final assignment is to lead the Three Lions back to the Nations League’s top table. However, he’ll have to do it without eight first-team stars, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Cole Palmer.