Mon. Nov 18th, 2024
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ENGLAND will look the part as they call on the spirit of David Beckham against Greece.

Lee Carsley‘s Three Lions are giving a rare revival to the all-white kit worn by Becks against the Greeks in 2001 – a clear nod to the 115-cap legend’s most iconic and important international goal.

David Beckham notched one of his most famous goals the last time England faced Greece 23 years ago

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David Beckham notched one of his most famous goals the last time England faced Greece 23 years agoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
England’s stars are preparing to face Greece in the Nations League on Thursday

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England’s stars are preparing to face Greece in the Nations League on ThursdayCredit: PA

The midfielder was already captain and on his then-home turf of Old Trafford when he arrowed a stoppage-time free-kick into the top corner.

That majestic moment which still gives Becks “goosebumps” rescued a 2-2 draw and took the late Sven Goran Eriksson‘s men to the 2002 World Cup.

Now England will swap blue shorts for white at Wembley on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Greece will play in all-blue, just like they did 23 years ago.

It comes as Carsley plots to make it three wins from three Nations League games.

His interim stint is likely to extend to six matches in the same tournament – with the permanent job very much his to lose.

In fact, the former England Under-21s boss could virtually assure his appointment with an NL double this week – victory over Greece and then in Finland on Sunday.

The 50-year-old is treating each batch of two Nations League matches like a mini-competition in itself.

Becks' last-gasp strike sent the Three Lions to the 2002 World Cup

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Becks’ last-gasp strike sent the Three Lions to the 2002 World CupCredit: Reuters

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He said: “I definitely don’t feel like it’s an audition.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge. I’m seeing it for what it is, three camps, three windows.”

Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White have all pulled out of Carsley’s squad.

But current skipper Harry Kane has got the all-clear after his second injury scare for Bayern Munich in two weeks.

Maybe that’s an omen – given how it all went right in white for one of his legendary predecessors as England captain last time out against the Greeks.

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