Tuchel's tenure starts in less than 50 days, and he looks set to avoid an unnecessary schedule disruptor. England played with urgency throughout the second half in their desperation to find the goals which means they leapfrog their opponents.

Before Vlachodimos' misfortune, Rico Lewis drew a good save before Bellingham clipped the post with a header from another teasing Madueke cross.

This interim period for England has drifted into an uneasy holding pattern. There has been criticism of the decision for Tuchel to start his position on January 1, and he knows he therefore needs a fast start during his first camp in March.

Carlsey spoke about needing to create more leaders in the group as justification for giving Watkins the chance to start ahead of Harry Kane, besides his ability to stretch defences. He called on his players to dilute a hostile atmosphere in Athens, with the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup.

Right now, that still feels a long way away, but throughout his time in the hot seat, Carsley has looked to evolve England in the post-Gareth Southgate era. Kyle Walker captained the side for only the third time on his 92nd appearance but five of the starting XI had fewer than 10 caps.

With the nine players withdrawn from the squad, with it went 241 caps worth of experience but Watkins' early opener settled any nerves. It was the first goal Greece have conceded on home soil in a year, but they very nearly levelled when Kostas Tsimikas combined well down the left to draw a smart save from Pickford at his near post.

The brilliance of Madueke going forward was a feature of the first half, but it was Bellingham who stood out across the piece with his power to force England's second goal. Here was a reminder of the strength in depth that Tuchel will possess, typified by Jones' uplifting flick.

Carsley's bold selection backfired last month but worked this time. England are on course for promotion.