The England squad can cautiously smile again. After losing to Greece in the group stage of the Nations League, The Three Lions managed to secure a win against Finland (1-3) on Sunday evening. However, it was far from a completely flawless night.
After England’s surprising 1-2 loss to Greece in the Nations League group stage, a win against Finland became a must for Lee Carsley and his team.
That defeat had put England in a precarious position, and their hopes of topping Group 2 of League B depended heavily on bouncing back against Finland. Carsley, stepping in as interim coach, made several bold changes to the starting lineup for the crucial game. One of the most notable decisions was swapping out England’s regular goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, in favor of Dean Henderson. Carsley was quick to clarify that Pickford hadn’t been dropped for poor performance, but the choice to start Henderson still raised eyebrows. The change seemed tactical, perhaps to inject new energy into the squad after a disappointing outing against Greece.
England also welcomed back two key players: Jack Grealish and Harry Kane, both of whom missed the Greece match due to injury concerns. Their return was seen as a massive boost to the team’s attacking options, with Grealish’s creative flair and Kane’s goal-scoring ability expected to help turn the tide in England’s favor.
From the outset, England looked determined to make amends for their previous result. The Euro 2020 finalists dominated the opening stages, showcasing well-structured attacking play that left Finland struggling to keep pace. The early pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Angel Gomes, with a perfectly timed through ball, set up Jack Grealish. The Manchester City midfielder remained composed and slotted the ball past the Finnish goalkeeper to give England a deserved 0-1 lead. Grealish’s goal not only relieved the immediate pressure but also gave the team the confidence to keep pushing forward.
Despite England’s dominance, Finland gradually grew into the game. The home side started to push back, testing England’s defense with a series of attacks. While they managed seven shots in the first half, only one required a save from Henderson, who remained largely untroubled. Finland’s ability to create chances, however, served as a warning that the match was far from over.
As the second half began, England continued to control possession, but Finland came dangerously close to an equalizer. Former FC Twente player Fredrik Jensen found himself with a clear shooting opportunity just meters from the English goal, but his effort sailed over the crossbar, much to the relief of the England defense. It was a clear reminder that one mistake could cost them dearly.
With twenty minutes remaining, Carsley made another tactical adjustment, bringing on fresh legs in the form of Ollie Watkins and Noni Madueke, replacing Harry Kane and Cole Palmer. Kane had played a solid game up to that point but was still managing his recovery from injury. Carsley likely wanted to avoid overburdening him, especially with upcoming matches on the horizon.
The substitutions paid off quickly, as England ramped up their search for a second goal to put the match to bed. In the 74th minute, it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who provided that moment of brilliance. Playing in an unfamiliar left-back role, the versatile Liverpool star stepped up to take a free kick and curled a stunning effort into the net, doubling England’s lead to 0-2. The goal gave England the breathing room they needed and deflated the Finnish side, who struggled to regain their momentum.
Just five minutes before the final whistle, Declan Rice sealed the victory with a third goal. After a well-worked move involving Ollie Watkins, the West Ham midfielder found the back of the net, putting the game beyond Finland’s reach. Rice’s goal effectively ended any hope of a Finnish comeback and highlighted England’s ability to finish games strongly.
However, Finland did manage to get a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match. From a well-taken corner, Arttu Hoskonen rose highest to head the ball past Henderson, making it 1-3. While the goal didn’t change the outcome, it provided a small sense of pride for Finland as they avoided being shut out.
The victory was crucial for England, who now find themselves level on points with Greece at the top of Group 2 in League B of the Nations League. However, the group remains wide open, with Greece set to play Ireland later on Sunday evening. A win for Greece in that fixture would see them regain the top spot, but England’s performance against Finland will give them confidence heading into their remaining matches.
For Carsley, the win was an important step in restoring England’s momentum after the setback against Greece. The interim coach has had to juggle player injuries and form issues, but his tactical decisions such as rotating goalkeepers and introducing fresh players at key moments paid off. The return of key players like Grealish and Kane has also reinvigorated the team, and with important matches coming up, including potential promotion to League A, England will be looking to build on this victory.
The match also served as a reminder of the depth and quality within the England squad. Players like Angel Gomes, who provided the assist for the first goal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who shone in a different position, demonstrated the versatility and talent at Carsley’s disposal. As England looks ahead to their next Nations League fixtures, they will be hopeful of securing the top spot in the group and progressing to the higher tiers of European football.
In the broader context of the Nations League, England’s win keeps them firmly in the race for promotion. With both Greece and Finland still in contention, the group is likely to go down to the wire. Every point matters, and England’s ability to bounce back from their defeat in Greece could prove to be the turning point in their campaign.
For now, England can enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, but they will know that there is still work to be done if they are to achieve their goal of topping the group and earning promotion to League A.
