UEFA Nations League B: England Needs a Striker, Greece Finds Success in the Unexpected

The UEFA Nations League B, Group B, continued in full swing as England faced Finland and Greece hosted Ireland in a pivotal round of matches. England, still reeling from their last-minute loss to Greece, desperately needs to rethink their attacking approach, while Greece is thriving under their new coach with an impressive record, eyeing promotion to League A. The contrasting fortunes of these two sides have set the stage for an intriguing set of fixtures as we move closer to the final stages of the group.

Finland vs England: The False 9 Experiment Fails

England’s experiment with a striker-less formation in their last game against Greece ended in disaster. Despite boasting superior possession and attacking intent, the Three Lions were unable to break through a solid Greek defense and were ultimately undone by a last-gasp goal. England, who are usually seen as one of Europe’s top footballing nations, found themselves in the unfamiliar territory of League B after a disappointing spell in the previous Nations League campaign. But instead of using this as an opportunity to dominate lower-tier teams, they have struggled.

In their match against Greece, interim manager Lee Carsley opted for a 4-6-0 formation, deploying Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in advanced positions but without a true striker. While the formation allowed for fluidity in midfield and an increased share of possession, it failed to create significant goal-scoring opportunities. England looked blunt in attack, lacking the focal point that someone like Harry Kane or even Ollie Watkins could provide. Kane's absence due to injury was undoubtedly a major factor, but Carsley’s reluctance to start Watkins was perplexing.

Greece capitalized on England's lack of a traditional center forward, using their physicality and discipline to stifle England's build-up play. The absence of a true striker allowed Greece to concentrate their defensive efforts on England’s midfield runners, reducing the effectiveness of Bellingham and Foden. Ultimately, Greece’s hard-nosed approach paid off with a late winner, a result that exposed England’s tactical naiveté.

Going into the match against Finland, England must learn from their previous mistakes. Carsley has already hinted at Harry Kane possibly returning to action, although only for a short cameo if his fitness allows. Regardless of Kane's involvement, starting a recognized striker like Watkins should be a no-brainer. In a competition where physicality and directness often trump finesse, especially in the lower tiers, failing to utilize a true number 9 would be a major oversight.

Finland, on the other hand, has had a tough start to their Nations League campaign. After two consecutive away defeats, they returned home for a crucial match against Ireland, only to suffer another setback. Despite taking the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a gift of a backpass from Ireland captain Nathan Collins, Finland failed to hold onto their advantage. Teemu Pukki, the experienced striker who has often been Finland’s go-to man, was unable to add to the tally, and Finland's defensive fragility was once again exposed.

Ireland responded well after their early mistake, adjusting their tactics by focusing on crosses into the box, which ultimately led to two second-half goals and a comeback victory. The loss left Finland winless after three games, and morale within the squad appears to be at a low point. While their opening fixtures against tough opposition could be excused, failing to beat an equally struggling Ireland at home has raised concerns among Finnish fans.

With England needing to bounce back and Finland desperate for points, this match promises to be a battle of tactics and mental strength. England’s decision to revert to a more traditional formation, likely with Watkins leading the line, should give them the edge. Watkins has the ability to exploit Finland’s weak backline, and even at less than full strength, England's attacking options far outclass their opponents. For Finland, their hopes rest on the ability to stay compact defensively and hit England on the break, a strategy that could work if England continues to struggle creatively.

Greece vs Ireland: Jovanovic Finds His Perfect Match

Greece has been the standout team in Group B, winning all three of their matches so far. Under the new guidance of coach Ivan Jovanovic, they have emerged as the most well-organized and disciplined side in the group, playing a brand of football that has given their fans reason to believe they can secure promotion to League A. The decision to appoint Jovanovic in August has proven to be a masterstroke by the Greek Football Federation, and his tactical nous has turned Greece into a formidable opponent.

Jovanovic, a Serbian by nationality, has spent most of his professional life in Greece, both as a player and as a coach. His success with Greek clubs and his deep understanding of Greek football culture made him an ideal candidate to take over the national team following Gus Poyet's departure after their failure to qualify for Euro 2024. Jovanovic’s tactical approach is pragmatic, built around a solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks—an ideal strategy for a team like Greece, which often finds itself outmatched in terms of talent against top European sides.

In their last match against Ireland, Greece continued their impressive run. Despite Ireland’s spirited second-half performance against Finland, they were no match for Greece’s tactical discipline. Jovanovic set up his team to defend deep and absorb pressure, allowing Ireland to have more possession but limiting the number of clear-cut chances. When Ireland’s defense inevitably overcommitted, Greece struck with lethal efficiency.

Jovanovic’s philosophy of defending first and hitting opponents on the break has revitalized the Greek national team, and the players have bought into his system wholeheartedly. Players like Giorgos Masouras and Vangelis Pavlidis have thrived under Jovanovic’s tutelage, providing the attacking threat Greece needs while still maintaining the work rate required to track back and defend. Their victories over Ireland, both in the previous European Championship qualifiers and in this Nations League campaign, have underlined their superiority in head-to-head matchups.

Ireland’s problems are more deep-rooted. The team has struggled for cohesion and quality under coach Stephen Kenny, and while their win over Finland may have lifted spirits temporarily, it is clear that they are a level below their group rivals. The victory was their first goal of the campaign, and their performances have generally lacked creativity. Against Greece, they will once again need to rely on set-pieces and moments of individual brilliance to have any chance of coming away with a result.

For Greece, this match represents another opportunity to cement their status as the group’s dominant force. Another win would virtually guarantee promotion to League A, a remarkable achievement for a team that has been in rebuilding mode for several years. With Jovanovic at the helm, Greece looks well on its way to regaining its status as a competitive European side, and the dream of returning to major international tournaments no longer feels out of reach.

Conclusion: The Importance of Tactical Adaptability

The stories of England and Greece in this Nations League campaign are a study in contrasts. England, one of the world’s most talent-rich nations, has found itself hampered by over-complication and tactical experiments that have backfired, while Greece, a team with far fewer resources, has thrived by sticking to a clear, pragmatic approach under Jovanovic. As the group stage enters its final stretch, the success or failure of these teams will come down to their ability to adapt tactically and make the most of their strengths.

For England, the lesson is clear: overcomplicating things and neglecting the basics—like playing with a recognized striker—has cost them valuable points. Carsley needs to return to fundamentals and field a balanced team capable of taking advantage of the attacking talent at his disposal. Greece, meanwhile, needs to continue trusting in their defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat, which has been the key to their success so far. If both teams can play to their strengths, the final rounds of the Nations League promise to be an exciting conclusion to the group.