Finland 1-3 England: Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold Shine in Nations League Victory
Finland vs England Nations League Updates: In the UEFA Nations League, England defeated Finland 3-1 to spark their campaign following a disheartening loss to Greece.
The three most impressive players in Helsinki were Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jack Grealish, who each scored a goal. But late in the game, Finland’s Arttu Hoskonen scored from a corner, exposing defensive flaws.
While the team’s overall performance in Helsinki wasn’t at the levels it would have hoped for—a late goal conceded from a corner highlighted defensive issues—interim manager Lee Carsley faced criticism after his all-out approach at Wembley on Thursday was severely exposed. Nevertheless, there were moments of brilliance in this group.
Returned to the midfield, Angel Gomes opened the scoring with a fantastic piece of control before putting the ball in Grealish’s path to score his second goal in three appearances for his nation under Carsley. The Man City player’s response to Gareth Southgate’s summertime rejection of him at the Euros has been outstanding.
The second from England was equally elegant. Alexander-Arnold, who had occasionally struggled on a night when he was called up to play left-back for the first time in his career, reminded everyone of his ability to strike the ball by bending a superb free kick past Lukas Hradecky in the second half.
Declan Rice added that shine. Ollie Watkins, who had to establish himself after being passed over for a starting position against Greece, rushed down the left channel before squaring for Rice to tap in. The Arsenal player had been getting past the Finnish defense all evening.
Arttu Hoskonen headed in an open goal from a corner three minutes after England’s three-goal lead had been established. It was a harsh punishment for the visitors, who had consistently wasted opportunities during the match due to carelessness in possession. Without a doubt, Fredrik Jensen’s skier over from seven yards out should have tied the score at one.
Although the Greek team may reclaim their three-point lead at the top of the table with a victory against the Republic of Ireland at home later on Sunday evening, the result brings England level with the team leading the group. It appears like England needs to win their trip to Athens next month in order to top the group and secure automatic promotion.
Talking to ITV, Jack Grealish said:
“I believe there will always be people making harsh remarks about the England manager. Before, when we tried to play all of the so-called offensive players, only a small number of individuals complained that it didn’t work for one game.
“To be honest, I don’t really get it; in international football, you can sometimes lose games and get defeated.
“I love coming here, he’s a top, top manager, brilliant guy and I love playing for him.”
Speaking to ITV, Lee Carsley said:
“The quality of Trent is evident. He’s more than deserving of his spot at left back, therefore I don’t see me finding it for him.
“We do get bogged down with left-back or right-back and what his best position is but as long as he’s in effective positions, it’s great to have him.”
