England vs Greece Prediction: Three Lions stop Greeks in their tracks

Lee Carsley will look to make it three wins from three in charge of England as the Three Lions host Greece in the Nations League on Thursday (19:45, ITV). After simple 2-0 wins over Ireland and Finland, another straightforward display is expected as England strive to return to League A at the first time of asking. 

Below you can find my England vs Greece prediction, featuring team news and betting tips as this new generation of young players look to make their mark. 

Team News

England captain Harry Kane has been given the all-clear to play despite limping off while playing for Bayern Munich this weekend. However, Carsley may choose not to risk his main man and instead start with Ollie Watkins up top. Dominic Solanke is also an option having been called up for the first time in seven years, while Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from the squad. 

It will be interesting to see how the interim boss balances his side as Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Kyle Walker are all back involved after last appearing in the Euro 2024 final. Angel Gomes started against Finland and could be given another chance in the absence of Mainoo. Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka appear to be the preferred wide men at this moment in time, but Cole Palmer’s scintillating form could see him force his way into the team. 

Greece meanwhile could name an unchanged team to the one that beat Ireland 2-0 last time out. Familiar faces to fans of the Premier League include West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos and Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, while Christos Tzolis spent time at Norwich before moving to Club Brugge. Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis has scored four goals in five internationals in 2024 and could cause problems. 

England vs Greece Odds

England are priced at 1/4 to win this game, with Greece available at 11/1. A draw can be backed at 9/2, over 2.5 goals is 8/11 and BTTS is 5/4.

England to win to nil @ 5/6

Now Greece have looked good during this campaign with two wins to nil of their own in the bag, but England are a step up on the level of opposition they have faced so far. The Three Lions shouldn’t be playing in League B of the Nations League, but here we are. As a result, these fixtures are going to be incredibly one-sided, given England reached the Euro 2024 final and have some of the best players in the world on their side. 

Carsley is still auditioning for the full-time job, but even wins against this level of opposition may not be enough to secure it. However, England should win this game without conceding. They’ve kept two clean sheets in a row, and despite the absence of Konsa, should dominate possession and limit Greece to just a handful of chances.  

England to win, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins to score @ 4/1

I’ve put together a short Bet Builder for my second selection, given there isn’t too much value in backing the home side to win. Obviously, that is the first port of call as the Three Lions should be able to flex their muscles and secure all three points, but I’ve also picked out two goalscorers here. 

I’m going to take the risk that Kane won’t start this game, and as a result, Watkins provides excellent value given he has now established himself as England’s second-choice striker. He has scored four goals in seven Premier League games so far this term and should fancy his chances up against this Greek defence. Meanwhile, Palmer has scored six in seven, and it is surely impossible to leave him out of the team at this stage. 

If Kane isn’t on the pitch he will take the penalties too, so I’m happy to put forward those two goalscorers in an England victory. 

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