Player Ratings: Late drama as Greece shocked England at Wembley

England's hopes of extending their unbeaten run at Wembley came to a dramatic end on Thursday evening as Greece secured a 2-1 win in the UEFA Nations League. It was the first time in four years that England had lost a competitive game at Wembley and the first time ever that they had lost to the Greeks. A late equalizer from Jude Bellingham briefly gave the hosts hope, but Vangelis Pavlidis' stoppage-time winner gave the visitors a historic triumph.

Early drama and defensive errors

England started the game on the leading edge when Bellingham forced Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos into a save while Cole Palmer's ambitious free-kick found the top of the net. Nevertheless, defensive weaknesses were obvious. A wayward moment from Jordan Pickford almost gave Greece an early lead when he ventured well beyond his goal, leaving Levi Colwill to attempt a goal-saving clearance. More nervous moments followed when Pickford was beaten by Kostas Mavropanos on a high ball, but the resulting goal was disallowed for offside.

The home side had their chances, especially when Palmer shot over the goal from a promising position after Bellingham's attack and Anthony Gordon missed a free header. But as half-time approached, Greece developed a defensive shape and thwarted England's attempts to break through.

Pavlidis leads the Greek revival

Greece came out stronger in the second half and it didn't take long for Pavlidis to break the deadlock by weaving through the England defense and slotting past Pickford. The striker dedicated his goal to the late George Baldock, a gesture that underlined the emotional significance of the evening for the visitors.

The Greek team, emboldened by the start, continued their threat. England were lucky when Giorgos Masouras' goal was ruled out for offside after an incisive move by Pavlidis.

England's reaction falls short

Bellingham appeared to salvage a point for England just minutes from time when his low shot from substitute Dominic Solanke's cross escaped Vlachodimos' control. However, the joy was short-lived. Greece once again exposed England's defensive deficiencies as Pavlidis scored his second goal in stoppage time to secure a memorable win. The goal resulted from England failing to effectively clear their lines in a crowded penalty area.

England's performance under scrutiny

Interim manager Lee Carsley, who has opted to start without a traditional striker in Harry Kane's absence, may have questions about his tactical approach. Although England introduced more attacking options as the game progressed, they lacked coherence and penetration in the final third. Greece, on the other hand, implemented their game plan effectively and appeared to be the more dangerous team throughout with three offside goals and two legitimate goals.

England player ratings

• Jordan Pickford (TW): 3/10

• Trent Alexander Arnold (RB): 5/10

• John Stones (CB, c): 3/10

• Levi Colwill (CB): 5/10

• Rico Lewis (LB): 5/10

• Bukayo Saka (RM): 4/10

• Cole Palmer (CM): 5/10

• Declan rice (CM): 4/10

• Anthony Gordon (LM): 4/10

• Phil Foden (ST): 4/10

• Jew Bellingham (ST): 6/10

Substitute

• Noni Madueke (52′ for Saka): 7/10

• Ollie Watkins (60′ for Gordon): 5/10

• Dominic Solanke (72′ for Foden): 6/10

Manager: Lee Carsley – 3/10