English got back on track after a poor loss to Greece by beating Finland 3-1 away in the Nations League.
Three English players scored: Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Declan Rice. However, Arttu Hoskonen scored late for Finland to tie the game.
Lee Carsley placated surprise at the decision to give Dean Henderson a start in goal
England interim boss Carsley insisted that he always wanted to give Henderson an opportunity
After trying out a new formation that didn’t work against Greece, acting manager Lee Carsley put together a more balanced team this time.
England has won three of their four Nations League games so far and lost one.
If you missed something at the Olympiastadion, Mail Sport’s SAMI MOKBEL has it for you.
Lee Carsley quickly tried to calm people down after they were surprised by his choice to start Dean Henderson for England instead of long-time No. 1 Jordan Pickford. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper was a surprise choice by Carsley to start the game against Finland, since Pickford was expected to be the long-term first choice.
Pickford didn’t play well against Greece on Thursday, and England lost badly. Carsley said, “There was a case of getting a look at a few other players and we were always going to look at Dean Henderson in one of these games.” Which means Henderson will get to play this month.
Declan Rice shows what he can do as a No. 8
Declan Rice showed some encouraging glimpses of his ability as a No 8 against Finland
We got a better look at Declan Rice’s growing skills as a No. 8 here in Helsinki.
Putting Angel Gomes next to Rice in midfield gave the Arsenal player more freedom to break forward into attacking areas, which is a part of his game that has been becoming more clear at his club over the past few months.
It’s a part of Rice’s game that England needs to use more, with or without Cash.
England is better now that Marc Guehi is back.
in the England team ahead of the World Cup.
Marc Guehi’s return to the starting lineup helped to significantly improve the England team
Marc Guehi returned to the starting XI against Finland after sitting out of the Greece debacle and England looked far better for it.
The Crystal Palace defender plays in a calm way that helps the team, and his relationship with John Stones is becoming stronger.
Levi Colwill, who played ahead of Guehi against Greece, has started the season fantastically at Chelsea and the fact he is left-footed provides England with natural balance. But Guehi has to be a regular on the England team before the World Cup.
A right back like Trent Alexander-Arnold should play.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started at left-back but it’s clear he should play at right-back
Alex Trent-Arnold plays right back. He should play there. Not in centre-midfield, not – as he did on Sunday night – at left-back.
The Liverpool star was put in a job he wasn’t used to in Helsinki, as Mail Sport first reported on Saturday night. But enough with trying to fit him into the England team. He was fine there, linking up well with Jack Grealish.
His free-kick for England’s second was sublime. But this England team should play to his strength, not squeezing him in. Have fun with him. Of course, yes. But play him at right-back.
Kyle Walker is still England’s vice-captain
Kyle Walker remains England’s vice-captain and took the armband when Harry Kane went off
Kyle Walker remains England’s vice captain. The Manchester City defender was promoted into the position for Euro 2024 following the omission of Jordan Henderson, who previously held the role as Harry Kane’s second in command, for the tournament.
But Gareth Southgate’s departure and Walker’s omission from Carsley’s first squad in September raised questions over the vice-captaincy.
But Kane immediately ran over to Walker to pass over the armband to his team mate as he was substituted in the second half.