England’s UEFA Nations League campaign got back on track as they comfortably defeated Finland 3-1 in League B Group 2.
The Three Lions rebounded from their embarrassing 2-1 loss to Greece with a dominant display in Helsinki.
Interim boss Lee Carsley made six changes to the lineup, including the return of fit-again captain Harry Kane.
The tactical adjustments paid off as England took the lead through Jack Grealish‘s first-half strike, assisted by Angel Gomes.
Two of the new faces in the starting XI combined to devastating effect, with Grealish and Gomes linking up for a merited opener.
Finland showed glimpses of promise but lacked the finishing touch, particularly in the final third when they managed to venture out of their own half.
However, England’s superiority told in the second half as Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free kick and Declan Rice sealed the win with a close-range finish.
Also See: England Stunned By Greece In 2-1 Defeat At Wembley
Arttu Hoskonen‘s late consolation header marred Dean Henderson‘s clean sheet, but England’s victory never looked in doubt.
The result extends England’s unbeaten run against Finland to 13 games, a record for the Three Lions against a single opponent.
With nine points from four matches, England temporarily shares top spot with Greece.
The group leaders face off in Athens on November 14, followed by England’s match against the Republic of Ireland on November 17.
These crucial matches will likely determine the group winner and could be Lee Carsley‘s final games in charge.
Finland, rooted to the bottom with zero points, faces Ireland on November 14 and Greece on November 17, hoping to salvage a third-placed finish and avoid relegation to League C.
Markku Kanerva‘s men have shown flashes of potential but have struggled to find consistency and clinical finishing.
England’s victory has revitalized their UEFA Nations League campaign, setting up an exciting conclusion to the group stage.
As Carsley’s interim tenure nears its end, the Three Lions will aim to build momentum and secure top spot in Group 2.
