### How Did England Set Up and Why?
In a bold move during an experimental phase, interim head coach Lee Carsley opted for an unconventional 4-3-3 formation against Greece, a first for the Three Lions. With Harry Kane sidelined due to a minor injury, Carsley chose to deploy Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as false nines, supported by wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon. This strategy was an attempt to maximize the attacking talent that England possesses, a point of contention during Gareth Southgate’s tenure.
Critics had often argued that Southgate underutilized England’s creative players. Carsley’s approach seemed to challenge that narrative. He strategically placed Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis in advanced roles to create numerical superiority in midfield. This setup aimed to facilitate fluid attacking transitions while hoping to exploit the technical abilities of Bellingham and Foden. However, the plan quickly unraveled as the match progressed.
### How Bad Was the Defeat? Check the Stats
The statistics from the match paint a concerning picture for England. Greece, ranked 48th in the world, became the lowest-ranked team to defeat England in a competitive fixture since 2005. This marked Greece’s first victory over England, having previously recorded two draws and seven losses against them.
England managed only two shots on target throughout the entire match, a stark contrast to their more dynamic performances in previous fixtures. No player registered more than five touches in the opposition’s penalty area, a clear indicator of their lack of attacking penetration. Greece’s Vangelis Pavlidis, who had not scored for his national team in over a year, netted twice, highlighting England’s defensive frailties.
### Did It Work and Are We Likely to See It Again?
The short answer is no; the experiment did not yield the desired results. England’s setup left them vulnerable, especially in transition. The defense appeared disjointed, and the absence of a traditional striker to provide a focal point in the attack became glaringly obvious.
Despite pressing aggressively, England’s high defensive line was easily breached by Greece’s counter-attacks. Carsley’s tactical choices, while ambitious, proved risky and ultimately ineffective. The decision to field multiple creative players without a clear structure resulted in confusion on the pitch, as highlighted by former players and commentators.
### Disappointment for Watkins
Ollie Watkins, who enjoyed a prolific season with Aston Villa, was expected to feature prominently in this match, especially with Kane unavailable. However, Carsley’s decision to start without a recognized striker left many puzzled. Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane criticized the omission, emphasizing Watkins’s potential impact.
When Watkins finally entered the game, he had minimal involvement, touching the ball only nine times. This lack of engagement not only disappointed him but also raised questions about the decision-making process behind the team selection.
### How BBC Sport Readers Reacted
Viewer reactions to the match reveal a mix of frustration and disappointment. Many fans echoed the sentiment that while Carsley’s intention to implement a new system was commendable, it lacked the necessary execution. Comments on social media ranged from criticism of the tactical choices to outright disbelief that a team with such talent could falter against a lower-ranked opponent.
Some readers pointed out the irony of England possibly being the “new Belgium,” a team known for its underperformance despite having world-class talent. This match has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Carsley’s future as a potential permanent head coach, raising concerns about his ability to lead England effectively.
### Future Implications
The defeat to Greece could have lasting implications for England’s aspirations in upcoming competitions. With the Nations League group stage ahead, the pressure will mount on Carsley to rectify the errors made in this match. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if he sticks with the experimental approach or reverts to a more traditional setup that has historically brought success to the national team.
The road ahead will require careful navigation as Carsley seeks to restore confidence and coherence within the squad. The challenge will be to harness the immense talent available while instilling a tactical discipline that can withstand the rigors of international competition. The task is daunting, but the opportunity for redemption is just around the corner.