A struggling 4/10 and an energetic 5/10: England player ratings from historic defeat against Greece

England created history at Wembley on Thursday night - but nobody was in the mood to celebrate.

For the first time in their history, a Three Lions side fell to a defeat against Greece as the visitors scored their first ever goals at Wembley to edge a Nations League contest. After fielding what seemed to be a rather contradictory attacking lineup that contained no natural strikers, Lee Carsley’s 100% win record went up in smoke as a late strike from Vangelis Pavlidis saw Greece claim a win that was dedicated to former Sheffield United star George Baldock.

It was the Benfica striker that had given the visitors a deserved just four minutes into the second-half - but England appeared to have snatched a point as Jude Bellingham’s low drive got Carsley’s men back on level-terms with just three minutes to go. However, Greece would not be denied as Pavlidis took full advantage of some chaotic defending to double his tally and leave Carsley to defend his initial team selection.

Speaking after the game, he said: “(It was) definitely not an experiment. I thought it was a creative way of trying to play. With this job you have to do that a lot of the time in competitive games, which obviously we have done tonight. It is important that we have that chance to be creative with the selections.”

Whatever it was, it didn’t work - and that is probably reflected in our player ratings from a dismal night at Wembley Stadium.

England player ratings

Jordan Pickford - 4

Set the tone for a poor individual and team display with a number of sloppy moments in the opening stages. Never really seemed to recover from that and played his part in a disjointed defensive display.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 4

Caught out too many times down the right-hand side and allowed Greece to take full advantage of the space left in behind him.

John Stones - 4

Captain for the night and for that reason it will be a night he won’t forget - even though he probably rather would. Didn’t seem to find the composure that has become the hallmark of his game throughout his career.

Levi Colwill - 4

Handed an opportunity at the heart of the defence alongside Stones in what seemed to be a balanced pairing. But much like the Manchester City star, Colwill never seemed to find composure and looked uneasy throughout.

Rico Lewis - 5

Didn’t really look comfortable at left-back but did spark some enthusiasm and energy.

Cole Palmer - 4

Did not replicate his sparkling form for Chelsea and failed to make any major impact on the game.

Declan Rice - 4

Another player that struggled to impose himself on the game as England failed to take control of the midfield battle.

Bukayo Saka - 4

A real injury concern for club and country after limping out of the action. Prior to his withdrawal, Saka tried to make something happen but fell short like many of his team-mates.

Phil Foden - 4

Not for the first time with England, Foden was not able to sparkle despite being given a pivotal role by his manager.

Jude Bellingham - 5

Had some bright moments and looked to have dragged his side back into it with his late equaliser - but another that didn’t really impact on proceedings on a consistent basis.

Anthony Gordon - 4

Carsley retained faith with the Newcastle United star on the left-hand side of his attack - but Gordon was kept quiet by his marker.

Subs

Noni Madueke - 5

Came off the bench to inject some life into the wide areas and looked a threat on both wings without really creating too much.

Ollie Watkins - 5

Really should have done better with his chance just seconds after coming on - but did actually give England some presence at the top end of the pitch.

Dominic Solanke - 5

Set up the goal, looked lively and probably should have come on earlier.