France without a goal against Israel
©IMAGO
Without star striker Harry Kane in the starting lineup, the England national team managed to take revenge in the Nations League against Greece. Thomas Tuchel’s future team, greatly weakened, won 3-0 (1-0) in Athens and can win the group alone on the last day. Greece surprisingly won the first leg in mid-October 2-1.
Ollie Watkins (7th minute), who played in place of Bayern striker Kane, who initially sat only on the bench, took the lead, an own goal from Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos (78th) and debutant Curtis Jones (83rd) secured the final. score. Kane only replaced Watkins in the 66th minute.
Interim coach Lee Carsley justified the captain and record scorer’s exclusion by saying Watkins needed to gain experience. Kane accepted the decision with “a fantastic attitude”. Carsley had major personnel issues for the match, with nine players, including stars Phil Foden, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, withdrawing injured. England lead Group 2 of League B ahead of the Greeks, tied on points, on goal difference. The victory of the group and therefore direct promotion will be decided on Sunday during the long distance duel. England host Ireland while Greece faces Finland.
Second place can gain promotion via the playoffs. Although Tuchel will only take over the Three Lions on January 1, the 51-year-old has recently faced criticism, particularly due to his debut on duty. In England, incomprehension is growing over the fact that Tuchel is not showing up and, according to the media, is not present in Athens. From the critics’ point of view, precious time is being wasted ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
France against Israel without a goal
The high-risk match between France and Israel at the Stade de France in Paris took place in the shadow of small riots. Head of State Emmanuel Macron had to watch in the stands around fifty people compete in the northern curve during the first half of the Nations League match. Macron also saw nothing pleasant in terms of sport; the 2018 world champion could not overcome a tired 0-0 draw.
