England will be in play when they summon the spirit of David Beckham against Greece.
Lee Carsley’s Three Lions present a rare revival of the white shirt that Beckham wore against the Greeks in 2001 – a clear reference to the 115-cap legend’s most famous and important international goal.
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David Beckham scored one of his most famous goals the last time England faced Greece 23 years agoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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England stars prepare to face Greece in the Nations League on ThursdayCredit: Palestinian Authority
The midfielder was already a captain and was on his home turf at Old Trafford when he curled a stoppage-time free-kick into the top corner.
That majestic moment that still gives Beckham “goosebumps” salvaged a 2-2 draw and took the late Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men to the 2002 World Cup.
Now England will swap their blue shorts for white at Wembley on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, Greece will play in blue, just as it did 23 years ago.
This comes at a time when Carsley plans to achieve three wins from three matches in the European Nations League.
His temporary stint is likely to extend to six matches in the same tournament, and he is likely to lose his permanent position.
In fact, the former England Under-21 coach can secure his appointment with a Premier League double this week – wins over Greece and then in Finland on Sunday.
The 50-year-old treats each set of two UEFA Nations League matches like a mini-competition in itself.
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Beckham’s final goal sent the Three Lions to the 2002 World CupCredit: Reuters
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“It definitely doesn’t feel like an audition,” he said.
“I really enjoyed the challenge. I see it for what it is, three camps and three windows.”
Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven years, while Lee Carsley left Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out.
Manchester United midfielder Kobe Maino, Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White have withdrawn from Carsley’s squad.
But current captain Harry Kane was given a full clearance after his second injury scare with Bayern Munich in two weeks.
Perhaps this is a bad omen – given that everything went well in white for one of his legendary predecessors as England captain last time out against the Greeks.
