England banished the disappointment of their midweek UEFA Nations League defeat to Greece, as they ran out 3-1 winners over Finland to stake a claim for automatic promotion from League B Group 2.
Lee Carsley’s side disappointed the Wembley crowd on Thursday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against the group leaders, but responded in quick fashion with Euro 2024 absentees Angel Gomes and Jack Grealish combining to open the scoring in Helsinki within 18 minutes.
The Three Lions lulled after the opening goal as Finland created several opportunities to level the scoring. Topi Keskinen, particularly, was a livewire for the hosts, but was let down by his team-mates’ finishing.
Fredrik Jensen should have made it 1-1 shortly after the interval, spurning miles over from just yards out after Keskinen’s excellent low cross in.
But Carsley’s side avoided being punished for some of their defensive frailties, as an exceptional Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick 16 minutes from time doubled the visitors’ lead.
Ollie Watkins’ surging run set up Declan Rice to make it three for England in the final six minutes, but Finland got a consolation late on – Arttu Hoskonen heading home with ease from a corner.
The result sees England in second place in Group 2, level on points with Greece but trailing on goal difference, with the leaders set to face Republic of Ireland in their game in hand on Sunday evening.
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