Jones has been increasing his claims for a full England cap with an impressive season at Liverpool, so it was a dream night for the midfielder when he not only finally made his full international bow, but crowned it with a moment laced with confidence and genius.
England were already on their way to the win as silence descended on the packed Olympic Stadium in Greece, leaving Liverpool-born Jones to provide the perfect ending to a hugely satisfying evening.
Jones had already shown several pieces of sleight of foot, as well as composure in possession, but there was rare audacity about the manner in which he flicked a finish across Greece keeper Vlachodimos with the inside of his right heel from Gibbs-White’s delivery.
England went into this game surrounded by questions, as well being threatened with the possibility of a play-off unless they secured the right result against a Greece side who were so much their superiors in October.
Carsley’s bold move to leave Kane on the bench paid off, while he was also able to give first caps to Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, on at half-time for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and fellow Villa player Morgan Rogers, who was introduced in the second half.
England controlled large portions of this game, but it still required Pickford to show once again how valuable he is, especially with a fine second-half save from Fotis Ioannidis with the score 1-0.
Carsley’s final game is against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, and he has now opened up the opportunity to allow his successor Thomas Tuchel to avoid a Nations League play-off.
