England beat Finland 3-1 in the Nations League to put the sorrows and subsequent inquest of Thursday’s defeat by Greece behind them.
Jack Grealish netted 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 tap-in.
Finland dampened the mood slightly with a late riposte from Arttu Hoskonen but this was a much improved performance from Lee Carsley’s side, who saw Greece stick the ball in their net five times just three days ago.
Which star appears to be ‘on the decline decline’? Who scored 5/10? And which superstar managed to be nothing better than ‘average’?
Mail Sport’s Craig Hope was on the ground at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium to bring you our player ratings.
England got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Finland in the Nations League
This was a more competent display from Lee Carsley’s side, though they were slow at times
England (4-2-3-1)
Dean Henderson – 6
One decent save but was also spared by some wild finishing. Didn’t take his goal-kicks, bizarrely, but didn’t do anything wrong.
Kyle Walker – 5
Does not attack like he once did, and England needed some pace to break behind Finland. Feels like he’s on the decline. 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
Big block after Gomes error but still not at his sharpest. Was fortunate that Finland squandered a couple of big chances.
Marc Guehi – 6.5
Always tidy on the ball and quick feet got him out of one tricky spot, but beaten in 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 going forward, some bad going back over. Wonderful free-kick goal and plenty of nice involvements, but he’s not a left back.
Declan Rice – 6.5
Gomes presence allowed him to get forward but touch let him down when breaking into area on couple of occasions. Eventually got reward with close-range goal.
Angel Gomes – 7.5
Such a cute pass for opener and had more involvement than any other player. Carsley has got his inclusion right. MOM.
Declan Rice enjoyed marauding 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 lovely assist for Jack Grealish
Cole Palmer – 5
Another game not at No.10 and barely got a kick first half, one scuffed cross apart. More involved second half but did nothing of note.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Average. Got the nod at No.10 but no link-up with Kane. Increasingly becoming a ‘moments’ player for England.
Jack Grealish capped off a beautiful attacking move to open the scoring in Helsinki
Jude Bellingham was just average and did not link up well with Harry Kane up top
Jack Grealish – 6.5
Took his goal nicely and was always wanted the ball – but why doesn’t he dribble more and commit defenders?
Harry Kane – 4.5
Back after injury, not that you could tell. Rarely involved and had just one effort (off target) all night.
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane 69) – 6.5
Noni Madeuke (on for Palmer 69) – 7
You could hardly tell that Harry Kane was not injured – he was seldom involved in this clash
Carsley’s side needed a win after their disappointing evening at Wembley against Greece
Phil Foden (on for Bellingham 80) – 5.5
Rico Lewis (on for Gomes 80) – 5.5
Conor Gallagher (on for Rice 85) – N/A
Manager – Lee Carsley – 6
A more competent display after the incoherence of Thursday. Still, the team were too slow in possession at times.
