Dominic Solanke makes first England appearance for seven years
By Tom Vinall
This international break, Dominic Solanke received his first England call up in seven years. On Thursday night, he had the chance to make his first appearance since then too. With Harry Kane injured, he may have even felt he had a chance at starting the game, though Ollie Watkins was someone else to oust.
It was then confirmed that Watkins was not starting either. Surely now Solanke would start, right? No. Lee Carsley opted for a strikerless formation, a set up he had tried, and in fairness succeeded with, whilst managing the England U21s. Carsley opted for Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham as "false nines" instead.
England found themselves one nil down early on in the second half. As a result, Carsley introduced Watkins in place of Anthony Gordon. Twelve minutes later, Solanke would get his second England cap, as he replaced Phil Foden, who had yet another really poor game when wearing an England shirt.
The Spurs striker would make an impact, teeing up Jude Bellingham to fire home a powerful shot and equalise for England. It was not a creative assist from Solanke, but it was smart play and an intelligent lay off, showing top centre-forward play. Unfortunately, Greece would manage to score a late goal and win the game to take the gloss of it.
Whilst England did not play very well, their pressing caused issues in the first half, something that Solanke would have also been able to help with. Yet, they then missed a box threat, and there were a couple of chances where you feel had they fallen to Solanke, they would have found the back of the net.
On Sunday afternoon, 17:00 BST, England play Finland in an absolute must win if they are to keep their chances of winning the group alive. With Kane having not trained all week, he is surely unlikely to start that game - giving Solanke a chance at starting the game, with Carsley almost certainly going to go with a striker for this one. Watkins missed a presentable opportunity in his cameo, whilst the Spurs man provided an assist for Bellingham - so hopefully that gives him the edge for this one.