Carsley handed Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall a first cap, an opening for England, as a half-time replacement for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, while Morgan Rogers was presented for his international bow after 66 minutes.

He replaced Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who grew with each England game, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke posed a real threat and set up Watkins’ goal.

Watkins has shown he can score goals for England, as he did in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, while other established internationals will have had positive marks against their name when Carsley submits his reports to Tuchel.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains a model of consistency, once again making a crucial save from Fotis Ioannidis, as Bellingham roamed the Olympic Stadium with the kind of confident swagger that England and Real Madrid have lacked in recent times time.

This was Bellingham at their best, almost impossible to control with their movement, troubling Greece with their range of passing while launching into a constant push into the danger areas.

It had all the signs of a potentially troubling evening for England given their recent indifferent performances, the noise around Carsley and the growing questions over why Tuchel was delaying his arrival until January 1.

In the end, an inexperienced and makeshift team made the task relatively easy.

Greek fans saw their expectations raised by the pre-kickoff presentations of the players who stunned the football world by winning Euro 2004 in Portugal. The team marched to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that triumph, alongside their legendary coach, 86-year-old “King Otto” Rehhagel.

England controlled the atmosphere from the start, mixing calm possession and pace in attack, particularly on the flanks, setting the tone for Carsley’s finest evening.

The normally impassive Carsley finally let his emotions out after the final whistle, joining in the celebrations with his players, beaming as he enveloped an equally elated Jones in a hug.

Carsley looked uncomfortable in his elevated position at times, but it was a vital moment for him and England so he fully deserved to savor it.

If he can end his six-match run with this crucial victory at Wembley on Sunday, the negativity that characterized the latter part of his time will be replaced by a more positive gloss when Tuchel finally arrives to begin his 18-month contract at Wembley . end of the year.