England returned to winning ways as they beat Finland 3-1 in Helsinki.
The Three Lions move temporarily level on points with Nations League Group B2 leaders Greece, after recovering from their defeat to the Greeks on Thursday with a professional display against Finland.
They took the lead on 18 minutes when Angel Gomes assisted Jack Grealish but then allowed Finland a few chances with some suspect defending.
England’s performance improved midway through the second half, and they made sure of victory through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning free-kick and a clever poked finish from Declan Rice. But Arttu Hoskonen netted a free header from a corner to deny England a clean-sheet late on.
Dom Smith was on hand to rate the England players’ performances…
Dean Henderson 6
Made one poor pass out from the back under pressure, but also made a decent save in the first half. Solid on his first England start and unlucky not to claim a clean-sheet.
Kyle Walker 5
Decent display defensively, but slowed England down when they were on the attack.
John Stones 5
Afforded Fredrik Jensen the space and time to shoot on goal in the second half and was fortunate Jensen squandered it.
Marc Guehi 6
Composed passing out from the back, and it will be difficult going forward for Harry Maguire to dislodge Guehi now as Stones’s first-choice partner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
Saw plenty of the ball as he drifted into midfield from an unusual left-back position. One of England’s better players on the night, capping off a bright performance with a stunning free-kick.
Angel Gomes 7
Really good performance from a player who owes his international career to Lee Carsley. Lovely assist for the opening goal.
Declan Rice 7
Was sharper than against Greece now that he had a bona fide central midfield partner in the form of Gomes, and made sure of all three points by netting the third.
Cole Palmer 6
Less involved than against Greece on Thursday but had one good effort which Lukas Hradecky did well to save.
Jude Bellingham 6
Played one nice pick-out to find Declan Rice and put in a tireless shift with constant off-the-ball movement. Just didn’t quite fall for him, but played well.
Jack Grealish 7
Took his goal with a cultured finish and made it possible by making a clever run behind the defence. Looked full of confidence.
Harry Kane 6
Some nice touches to evade Finland’s challenges, but otherwise a quiet night for the returning England skipper.
Subs:
Ollie Watkins (Kane, 70’) 6
Struggled to get into the game until a nice down the left saw him assist Rice for the third goal.
Noni Madueke (Palmer, 70’) 6
One lovely run almost earned England a second goal, but his cross was slightly behind Watkins. Really positive display.
Phil Foden (Bellingham, 80’) N/A
Rico Lewis (Gomes, 80’) N/A
Conor Gallagher (Rice, 85’) N/A
Not used: Pickford, Pope, Gordon, Colwill, Livramento, Solanke
