From Eurosport
England defeated Finland 3-1 to increase their chances of automatic promotion from League B Group 2, banishing the disappointment of their midweek UEFA Nations League loss to Greece.
The Wembley crowd was let down by Lee Carsley’s team on Thursday as they lost 2-1 to the team leading the group, but they bounced back quickly as Angel Gomes and Jack Grealish, two players not included in the Euro 2024 squad, combined to open the score in Helsinki in just 18 minutes.
After Finland’s first goal, the Three Lions let up and missed multiple chances to tie the score. For the hosts, Topi Keskinen in particular was a sparkplug, but his teammates’ finishing disappointed him.
Shortly after the half, Fredrik Jensen had the opportunity to tie the score at one when he blasted miles over from a few yards out following a superb low cross from Keskinen.
However, a superb free kick by Trent Alexander-Arnold 16 minutes from time doubled Carsley’s team’s lead, sparing them from being punished for some of their defensive shortcomings.
In the last six minutes, Declan Rice scored a goal to make it three for England thanks to a breakaway run by substitute Ollie Watkins. Arttu Hoskonen’s easy header from a corner gave Finland a late consolation goal.
With the outcome, England now has the same number of points as Greece but a lower goal differential. The leaders will play Republic of Ireland on Sunday night.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
