England beat Finland 3-1 in the Nations League to put the regrets and subsequent investigation of Thursday’s loss to Greece behind them.
Jack Grealish scored his second goal under Lee Carsley in the first half before Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free-kick in the second, with Declan Rice adding a touch.
Finland dampened the mood slightly with a late response from Arttu Hoskonen, but this was a much better performance from Lee Carsley’s side, who saw Greece put the ball in their net five times just three days ago.
Which star seems to be “on the decline”? Who got 5/10? And which superstar managed to be nothing better than ‘average’?
Mail Sport’s Craig Hope was at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium to bring you our player ratings.
England returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Finland in the Nations League
This was a more competent showing from Lee Carsley, although they were slow at times.
England (4-2-3-1)
dean henderson – 6
A decent save, but he also saved himself from a wild shot. Curiously, he did not execute his goal kicks. I didn’t do anything wrong though.
Kyle Walker – 5
They no longer attack like they did before, and England needed some pace to overcome Finland. It feels like it’s on the decline. A couple of shaky moments defensively.
Kyle Walker appears to be on the decline. He had a couple of shaky moments at the back.
John stones – 6
Great block after Gomes’ mistake, but not yet at its best. It was fortunate that Finland missed a couple of great opportunities.
Marc Guehi – 6.5
Always organized with the ball and quick feet got him out of a difficult place. Composed as a whole, even if it is hit in the air a couple of times.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free kick to give England a comfortable lead.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Some good things in the future, some bad things in the past. Wonderful free kick goal and many nice contributions, but he is not a left back.
Declan Rice – 6.5
Gomes’ presence allowed him to advance, but the touch let him down as he burst into the area on a couple of occasions. He was finally rewarded with a goal from close range.
Ángel Gómez – 7.5
It was such a nice pass for the opener and he had more involvement than any other player. Carsley was right in his inclusion. MOTHER.
Declan Rice enjoyed lurking forward and got his goal, but his touch let him down at times.
Angel Gomes was Mail Sport’s man of the match after a beautiful assist for Jack Grealish
Cole Palmer – 5
Another game that was not at number 10 and barely received a kick in the first half, with a scratched cross. The second half was more involved but didn’t do anything notable. Sympathy, but more needs to be done.
Judas Bellingham – 6
Average. I got the nod at number 10, but there was no link with Kane. Becoming more and more of a ‘moments’ player for England.
Jack Grealish completed a beautiful attacking play to open the scoring in Helsinki.
Jude Bellingham was average and didn’t connect well with Harry Kane at the top
Jack Grealish – 6.5
He faced the goal very well and always wanted the ball, but why doesn’t he dribble more and compromise the defenders? A decent game, but not a long-term answer from the left.
Harry Kane – 4.5
Back after an injury, not that it showed. He rarely participated and only had one attempt (off) all night. England’s form should be a concern.
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins (substitute for Kane 69) – 6.5
Noni Madeuke (instead of Palmer 69) – 7
It could hardly be said that Harry Kane was not injured; he was rarely involved in this crash.
Carsley’s team needed a win after their disappointing night at Wembley against Greece
Phil Foden (substitute for Bellingham 80) – 5.5
Rico Lewis (substitute for Gomes 80) – 5.5
Conor Gallagher (substitute for Rice 85) – N/A
Manager – Lee Carsley – 6.5
A more competent display after Thursday’s inconsistency. Still, his team was too slow at times in possession of the ball. He was right with the selection of Gomes.
Finland (4-2-3-1): Hradecky 5.5; Alho 5.5 (Antman 82), Hoskonen 6.5, Ivanov 6, Uronen 5; Schüller 6 (Walta 63, 5), Peltola 6; Jensen 4.5 (Lod 75, 5), Kamara 6.5, Keskinen 6.5 (Pukki 75, 5.5); Kallman 6 (Pohjanpalo 63, 5)
Manager: Markku Kanerva 6
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili 7