Heartbreak for Lion Cubs as Greece Steal Thrilling Victory in Dying Embers

England U21s suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Greece in their latest Euro 2025 qualifier. The Greeks paid a perfect tribute to the absent George Baldock as Vangelis Pavlidis scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, sending the Greek contingent into raptures.

The result comes as a significant blow to head coach Lee Carsley, who would have been hoping for a more positive outcome against a tenacious Greek side. England, despite their possession-based dominance, were unable to find the back of the net, and in the end, were punished for their profligacy.

The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with both sides cancelling each other out for long periods. England enjoyed territorial superiority but were met by a stubborn Greek rearguard that refused to yield.

As the game hung in the balance, it was Greece who conjured the decisive moment, with Pavlidis popping up in the dying embers to send the home side jubilant. The Greek players celebrated wildly, with the win boosting their chances of qualifying for Euro 2025.

For Carsley and his charges, the result is a bitter pill to swallow, although there were still positives to be taken from the performance. The England manager will undoubtedly be disappointed by his side's inability to find a way past the dogged Greeks, but he will also recognize that there are lessons to be learned from this reversal.

The absence of George Baldock was keenly felt by the English rearguard, which sometimes looked vulnerable to the Greek counter-attack. However, the performance also highlighted the strength in depth at Carsley's disposal, with the U21 side continuing to develop and mature as the qualifying campaign gathers pace.

With the qualifying process far from over, this setback need not define England's campaign. There will be opportunities for redemption in the future, and Carsley will be hoping that his charges can learn from this painful experience. One thing, though, is certain – Greece have given England a lot to think about ahead of their next assignment.