England’s 3-0 victory in Athens provides a strong foundation for Thomas Tuchel’s upcoming tenure, offering redemption for interim boss Lee Carsley

Lee Carsley’s stint as England’s interim manager has been filled with challenges, but his side’s commanding 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens might just be the turning point, smoothing the path for incoming manager Thomas Tuchel. Carsley, who will step down after England’s final UEFA Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, has now given the German coach a team in far better shape than many anticipated.

Carsley’s reign, which included highs and lows, was marred by England’s shocking loss to Greece in October, a game that left the team and manager under intense scrutiny. A defeat compounded by a bizarre team selection – one that saw Carsley field a lineup without a traditional striker – had England fans questioning his leadership. However, in a remarkable twist of fate, the very same Greece, this time in their own stadium, became the backdrop for a rejuvenated England team that silenced critics and offered redemption for the interim manager.

The dominant win, played out in the iconic Olympic Stadium in Athens, was a masterclass of England’s attacking play. By the final whistle, the Greek crowd had been subdued, with the stadium eerily quiet as England secured the victory that now puts their fate in their own hands. With Thomas Tuchel set to take the reins on January 1st, the win ensures that England’s path to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League is no longer reliant on others. If they beat the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, they will reclaim their place in the top tier, sparing Tuchel from the pressure of a potentially gruelling play-off in March.

As with much of his tenure, the Athens clash was not without its drama. Nine England players had withdrawn from the squad prior to the match, a situation that sparked public criticism, including a rare outburst from England’s usually unflappable captain Harry Kane. The absence of Kane, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Carsley made the bold decision to bench Kane, opting instead for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Watkins’ goal just seven minutes into the game set the tone for the rest of the match, as England began to assert control.

The victory was confirmed later in the game. A Jude Bellingham shot took a fortunate deflection off Greece’s goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, finding its way into the back of the net. But the standout moment came from debutant Curtis Jones, who showcased a moment of brilliance with a stunning goal that capped off the win in style. The young Liverpool midfielder’s performance was a symbol of the fresh energy Carsley had brought to the team, as he continues to nurture emerging talent within the squad.

The comprehensive win is not just a testament to Carsley’s ability to overcome adversity, but also a preview of what Tuchel will inherit when he takes charge. While the new manager will undoubtedly have his own ideas and strategies, the performance in Greece suggests that England’s squad is in a healthy position, brimming with talent and confidence. Players like Bellingham and Jones have shown their quality on the international stage, and the depth of the squad means that Tuchel will have plenty of options when selecting his starting eleven.

For Carsley, this game represents a personal redemption. After a difficult period, he can now leave the role with his head held high, knowing he has left the national team in a strong position for Tuchel to build upon. The manager, who has been in charge during a transitional period for England, can look back on his tenure with pride, especially following such a commanding victory on foreign soil.

With the Nations League final fixtures just around the corner, the England team will now look to finish strong and secure their place at the top level, easing Tuchel’s entry into a role that will undoubtedly come with its own set of challenges. For now, however, it is Carsley who can bask in the glow of a job well done, having given both his players and the England fanbase something to be optimistic about as the German coach takes over in the new year.