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

Early dramas and defensive mistakes

England started the match on the front foot, with Bellingham forcing a save from Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, while Cole Palmer’s ambitious free-kick skimmed over the top of the net. Yet there were clearly defensive vulnerabilities. A freakish moment from Jordan Pickford almost gave Greece an early lead when he ventured well outside his goal, forcing Levi Colwill to make a goal-saving pass. More nerve-wracking moments followed when Pickford was beaten with a high ball by Kostas Mavropanos, but the resulting goal was disallowed for offside.

The home side had chances, particularly when Palmer crossed from a promising position after Bellingham’s cutback, and Anthony Gordon squandered a free header. However, as half-time approached, Greece found themselves in a defensive shape, frustrating 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 and weave through the English defense to get past Pickford. The striker dedicated his goal to the recently deceased George Baldock, a gesture that underlined the emotional significance of the evening for the visitors.

The Greek side, emboldened by the opener, continued to threaten. England were lucky when Giorgos Masouras’ goal was disallowed for offside after a sharp move by Pavlidis.

The English answer is inadequate

Bellingham looked to rescue a point for England with just minutes remaining, his low strike evading Vlachodimos’ grasp after substitute Dominic Solanke’s cross. However, the joy was short-lived. Greece once again exposed England’s defensive weaknesses, with Pavlidis scoring his second in stoppage time to seal a memorable win. The goal was a result of England’s failure to clear their lines effectively in a crowded penalty area.

A closer look at England’s performance

Interim manager Lee Carsley, who chose to start without a traditional striker in the absence of Harry Kane, may face questions about his tactical approach. Despite introducing more attacking options as the match progressed, England lacked cohesion and penetration in the final third. Greece, on the other hand, executed their game plan effectively and looked the most dangerous side with three offside goals and two legitimate strikes.

English player ratings

• Jordan Pickford (GK): 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

• Jude Bellingham (ST): 6/10

Substitutes

• 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