Despite missing out on the Euro in Germany last June, Greece is currently well-positioned to advance to the top tier of the Nations League. The team has had an impressive start, winning its first four matches in the competition.
After convincing wins over Finland (3-0) and Ireland (2-0) in September, Greece made a statement by beating England 2-1 at Wembley and followed it up with another victory over Ireland, securing their spot at the top of the group.
England, last year’s Euro finalist, has struggled to break its nearly 60-year trophy drought and is competing in League B in the Nations League. The Three Lions find themselves three points behind Greece with just two matches left.
While they easily won against Ireland (2-0) and Finland (2-0) in September, they suffered an unexpected loss to Greece (1-2) last month. Frustrated by this defeat, they bounced back to beat Finland 3-1. Since then, Thomas Tuchel has taken over as the new head coach.
From last month’s lineup, Greece’s Bouchalakis (Hertha Berlin) and Chatzigiovanis (Eyüspor) are out due to injuries. Key players like goalkeeper Vlachodimos (Newcastle), defenders Tsimikas (Liverpool), Chatzidiakos (Copenhagen), Vavropanos (West Ham), and Giannoulis (Augsburg), along with midfielders Bakasetas (Panathinaikos), Mantalos (AEK Athens), and Pelkas (Istanbul Basaksehir) remain in the squad.
Offensive options include Masouras (Olympiakos), Pavlidis (Benfica), Tzolis (Club Bruges), and Ioannidis (Panathinaikos), who has already scored three goals in the tournament.
For England, Tuchel has been forced to leave out defenders Stones (Manchester City) and Maguire (Manchester United), as well as young midfielder Mainoo (Manchester United), all due to injury. Marcus Rashford also remains absent.
However, Pickford (Everton), defenders Walker (City), Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), and Guehi (Crystal Palace), midfielders Rice (Arsenal), Foden (City), Bellingham (Real Madrid), and Gallagher (Atlético Madrid) are included.
The attack is bolstered by Palmer (Chelsea), Grealish (City), Saka (Arsenal), and captain Harry Kane (Bayern Munich). Angel Gomes from Lille has also been called up.
Prediction
England struggled in their recent Nations League appearances, securing only one point across seven matches.
Meanwhile, Greece has been strong on home soil, with eight wins in their last 11 home games at this level. England could be in for a challenging encounter.
Prediction: Greece 1 : 1 England
