Carsley handed a first cap to Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, a position opening for England, as a substitute for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, while Morgan Rogers was introduced for his international bow after 66 minutes.

He came on for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who is growing in stature with every English game, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke provided a real threat and set up Watkins’ goal.

Watkins showed he can score goals for England, as he did in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, while other established internationals will have plus points to their name as Carsley handed his reports to Tuchel.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains a model of consistency and once again pulled off a crucial save from Fotis Ioannidis as Bellingham paced the Olympic Stadium with the kind of confident swagger that England and Real Madrid have lacked in recent times.

This was Bellingham at his best, almost impossible to control with his movements, harassing Greece with his range of passing, while also constantly getting into dangerous areas.

This had all the signs of a potentially worrying evening for England, given their own recent indifferent display, the noise around Carsley and the mounting questions about why Tuchel delayed his arrival until January 1.

In the end, an inexperienced and improvised team made the task seem relatively simple.

Greek fans had their sense of anticipation stoked by pre-kick-off presentations to the players who stunned the football world by winning the 2004 European Championship in Portugal. The team paraded to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that triumph, accompanied by their legendary coach, 86-year-old “King Otto” Rehhagel.

England suppressed the atmosphere from the start, combining calm possession with pace in attack, especially down the flanks, setting the tone for Carsley’s best night.

The normally impassive Carsley finally let his emotions flow after the final whistle and joined the celebration with his players, beaming as he wrapped an equally delighted Jones in a bear hug.

Carsley has looked uncomfortable at times in his exalted position, but this was a pivotal moment for him and England so he fully deserved to enjoy it.

If he can cap his six-match run on Sunday with that crucial win at Wembley, the negativity that has characterized the latter part of his time will suddenly be replaced by a more positive glow when Tuchel finally arrives to start his 18-month contract with the club to start. new year.