After a dominant win against Greece, England will look to return to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League with victory over Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
England defeated host Greece 0-3 as a revenge of the debacle they faced at Wembley in October.
The win also became significant for interim manager Lee Carsley whose side saw a series of withdrawals.
Ollie Watkins justified his selection ahead of captain Harry Kane when he handed the first lead to England after only seven minutes, turning in Noni Madueke’s cross after the Chelsea winger’s fine run.
The second goal came luckily when Jude Bellingham’s shot hit a post and reflected into the net off Greece keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos after 77 minutes.
However, the third goal, six minutes later, was a flash of individual brilliance from Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who marked his debut by scoring with a stunning flicked finish from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross.
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Italy, France Enters UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals
Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on Thursday. Italy beat Belgium 0-1 in Group A2 in Brussels.
The visitors controlled the early stages of the game and scored after 11 minutes.
“We showed again that we give it a go and don’t just sit back in matches, that’s the big change,” Sandro Tonali said post match.
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The result also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a scoreless draw with Israel under tight security in Paris.
At the Stade de France in Paris, a struggling French team failed to create and take chances as they drew 0-0 with Israel before an under-crowded stadium.
It took until the 20th minute for captain N’Golo Kante to take the first attempt before it was saved by goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
France managed 25 attempts on goal but Peretz had to make only two diving saves in the second half, first from Warren Zaire-Emery and then in added time from Christopher Nkunku.
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“Anger. Frustration,” said France fullback Jules Kounde when asked his immediate reaction by French broadcaster TF1. “The only good point from tonight is that qualification is assured.”
Italy lead the Nations League group by three points but France could still take the first spot when the teams face off in Milan on Sunday.
