Five winners from England’s November Nations League games | OneFootball

England enjoyed an impressive international break to secure big wins over Greece and the Republic of Ireland and Nations League promotion.

Lee Carsley signed off as interim manager with two strong showings, as England bounced back from last month’s setback against Greece to avenge that defeat and seal a return to the top tier of the Nations League.

There’s plenty to ponder for Thomas Tuchel as he prepares to begin his reign as England manager in the New Year. We’ve picked out five winners from England’s November internationals.

Five winners from England’s November Nations League games

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones enjoyed a dream debut in England’s 3-0 win in Greece, scoring the third goal with a brilliant backheel to become the first Liverpool player in 42 years to net on their first appearance for the Three Lions.

His improvised effort aside, it was a performance full of confidence and composure from the 23-year-old who is maturing into a real option for club and country. He completed 95.6% of his passes and won seven duels in addition to his goal, showcasing his comfortability when under pressure.

Less effective but no less assured against Ireland, Jones passed his audition for a regular role. The position alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield looks open.

Noni Madueke

Earning an England chance as a right-sided left-footer is difficult given the competition for places but Noni Madueke made the most of a long list of withdrawals this month. A bright spark in both fixtures, he was outstanding during the win in Athens. Determined to get on the ball and fearless when in possession, he set up the opening goal for Watkins and caused Greece countless problems.

“I have got a lot of belief in my ability,” Madueke said after the Greece win.

“Even if it is not going so great, I still believe I can impact games. That is what I tried to do against Greece and thankfully it worked. Also at Chelsea … I have had some great moments this season and sometimes I have not been as good as I like but that is part of the process. I am always full of confidence and that does not change when I put on an England shirt.”

Bukayo Saka is England’s first-choice in Madueke’s preferred role but this month has proven the Chelsea winger can, at very least, push for a place.

Jude Bellingham

Has Jude Bellingham become England’s go-to man?

There were signs of that status in the summer with Bellingham scoring a decisive winner against Serbia at Euro 2024 and a last-gasp overhead kick against Slovakia to keep the Three Lions in the tournament. This month, he helped England over the line in the Nations League with all-encompassing performances against Greece and Ireland.

Against Greece, he played a superb reverse pass in the lead-up to the opener, hit the post, and forced an own goal. He was even better against Ireland, doing everything but score as he recorded two assists and won a penalty at Wembley. His marauding from midfield is difficult to stop and Bellingham – after a tricky start to the season at Real Madrid – looked closer to his talismanic best.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Scoring on your England debut is no guarantee of a long career with the Three Lions – just ask Francis Jeffers, David Nugent and Steven Caulker.

But Taylor Harwood-Bellis will never forget his first appearance for the national team. The captain of the u-21 side that won the European Championship in 2023, he was introduced as a substitute against Ireland and marked the occasion with a goal at Wembley.

A fine moment for the centre-back – though a ‘bittersweet’ moment for his future father-in-law. Harwood-Bellis is engaged to the daughter of former Ireland captain Roy Keane.

“It’s bittersweet for me this. It is not done and dusted yet. Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you,” Keane joked to ITV.

“Over the last few months he has got a goal threat, even playing for Southampton. It is nice for him. It’s good for him, it’s good for him to make his debut, like I say he has a goal threat. He’s a nice kid, his family have done a great job, he is a really nice kid.”

Lee Carsley

Lee Carsley came in for criticism as an experimental England were beaten by Greece last month but the interim boss restored his reputation amid testing circumstances this month.

Despite 10 withdrawals from the squad, Carsley guided England to comfortable wins over Greece and Ireland to mark a job well done in securing Nations League promotion. His six-game spell saw five wins and 16 goals scored, while debuts were handed to eight players under his reign.

Perhaps the lasting legacy for the 50-year-old will be seen further down the line with those introductions. Carsley, to his credit, appears unafraid to make big calls and provide young players with confidence and chances. Perhaps he is the ideal man to return to his u-21 post and work closely with the incoming Tuchel.

Read – Carsley relieved to sign off with England with Nations League promotion

See more – England player ratings vs Ireland – Bellingham imposing

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok