England managed to overcome Finland 3-1 in Helsinki after their humiliating loss to Greece at Wembley, but it was far from a dominant performance. Interim manager Lee Carsley made significant changes to the team, yet his side struggled to impress against a Finland team ranked 64th in the world. The game was only secured after Finland ran out of steam, allowing England to capitalize late on.
Jack Grealish eased early nerves with a goal in the 18th minute, set up by an excellent pass from Angel Gomes. Finland, however, had their chances to level the game or even pull ahead, with striker Fredrik Jensen missing crucial opportunities. It wasn’t until Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant free-kick in the 74th minute that England found some breathing room, followed by Declan Rice’s close-range finish to complete the victory.
England Unconvincing Win Fails to Erase Wembley Woes
England’s victory over Finland provided some relief after their shocking defeat to Greece, but the performance left much to be desired. Finland, without a single point in the group, still managed to create enough chances to trouble England, particularly in the first half. Fredrik Jensen missed two golden opportunities, including an astonishing miss from just six yards out with only the goalkeeper to beat. If Finland had been more clinical, England could have found themselves in serious trouble.
Lee Carsley’s decision to make six changes, including replacing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with Dean Henderson, paid off in the end, but England’s lack of cohesion and creativity remained evident. Despite the win, England’s play lacked the sharpness and intensity needed to restore confidence following their Wembley humiliation. This was a night where the result mattered more than the performance, but questions remain about England’s form and Lee Carsley’s future.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Shines in an Unfamiliar Role
One of the bright spots in England’s performance was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who operated in an unconventional left-back position. While this experiment may have raised eyebrows, Alexander-Arnold showcased his class with a stunning 25-yard free-kick in the 74th minute, which effectively sealed the win for England. Despite playing out of position, he remained composed defensively and provided the moment of quality that had been sorely lacking throughout the match.
Alexander-Arnold’s versatility has been a talking point for both club and country, and his performance in Helsinki demonstrated his value to the team. However, England’s reliance on moments of individual brilliance like his free-kick suggests that Lee Carsley’s side still has work to do in finding a cohesive attacking strategy. Alexander-Arnold’s contribution will no doubt boost his standing in the team, but the overall lack of fluency in Three Lions’s play remains a concern.
Disappointing Night for Cole Palmer and Harry Kane
While some players rose to the occasion, others struggled to make an impact. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who was deployed on the right flank after a poor showing as a midfielder against Greece, was largely ineffective. The young winger, who has been a standout in the Premier League this season, found himself isolated and unable to influence the game. His lack of involvement led to his substitution in the 68th minute, with Noni Madueke taking his place.
Harry Kane, returning from injury, also had a night to forget. England’s captain was far from his best, lacking sharpness and energy throughout the match. Kane, who missed the Greece game, appeared sluggish and failed to provide his usual attacking threat. Both Kane and Palmer will be eager to bounce back when Three Lions reconvene in November, as the pressure mounts on Lee Carsley to secure a more convincing performance in what could be his final camp as interim manager.
