England player ratings vs Finland: Gomes good, Trent shines | OneFootball

England returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 Nations League win over Finland in Helsinki.

The Three Lions issued a response to Thursday’s shock setback at home to Greece, as goals from Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice secured three points at The Olympic Stadium.

Lee Carsley’s side move level on points with group leaders Greece, who face off against the Republic of Ireland later in the evening.

Carsley made six changes from the 2-1 defeat to Greece, including introducing Dean Henderson in goal for just his second England cap. Harry Kane was also among the changes after the England captain sat out of the game with Greece as a pre-caution.

Grealish opened the scoring inside 18 minutes following a well-worked goal involving Angel Gomes, before Alexander-Arnold scored the second with a fantastic free-kick after the break. Rice turned in the third from substitute Ollie Watkins’ cross, with the only blot on the copybook Arttu Hoskonen’s header from a Finland set piece.

We rate the performance of England’s players from their win in Finland.

England player ratings vs Finland: Gomes good, Trent shines

Dean Henderson – 6/10

A surprise selection, Henderson made his full England debut and first appearance for the Three Lions in four years. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper was a bystander for much of the evening, making just two saves. His distribution will need to improve if he is to challenge Pickford’s place as first-choice.

Kyle Walker – 4/10

Recalled to the side for his first cap under Carsley but failed to impress. The 34-year-old offered little going forward as England predominantly played down the left and was loose in possession on more than one occasion. There are signs his recovery speed is not what it was and he was caught out of position for Finland’s best chance of the game.

John Stones – 6/10

Alert early on with a big block and generally at ease, completing 96.8% of his passes. Will have been disappointed at allowing Finland too much room to cross, after being dragged out to cover Kyle Walker at right-back. Fortunately, Fredrik Jensen blazed over the chance.

Marc Guehi – 7/10

Reads the game so well. Looked composed on his return to the team and won six defensive duels. After a strong European Championship, the shirt looks his to lose at centre-back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10

Another impressive outing. Alexander-Arnold failed to win the trust of Gareth Southgate but Carsley is keen to utilise the Liverpool defender’s unique talents.

Operating in an unfamiliar role at left-back, Alexander-Arnold led his England teammates for touches (130), passes (110), shots (3) and crosses (4), in addition to scoring with a sublime free-kick. Far tougher tests await defensively but Alexander-Arnold is growing as an England player. The Three Lions have to accommodate him.

Declan Rice – 7/10

Rice looked far more comfortable with additional support alongside him in midfield. The introduction of Angel Gomes allowed Rice to play his natural game, marauding forward when opportunity arose. Arrived well into the box to convert from Watkins’ cross, though concerns remain over England’s vulnerability in transition.

Angel Gomes – 8/10

Having shone on his first start for England last month, Gomes passed another audition for a long-term role in this side. At ease in possession, his ability to receive the ball under pressure allows England to build through the lines.

No England player completed a higher percentage of their passes (97%) than Gomes, who set up the opening goal with a lovely pass round the corner for Jack Grealish. Out of contract at Lille in the summer, expect Premier League clubs to be queuing up for his services.

Cole Palmer – 5/10

Struggled to get into the game and was short of the level we have seen in Chelsea colours. One good effort forced Lukas Hradecky into a save, but Palmer can – and will – deliver more in an England shirt.

Jude Bellingham – 6/10

Not his night in terms of end product but still effective with his off-the-ball running and work rate. Dropped deeper to get onto the ball and linked the game well on occasions, without being as impactful as we’ve seen previously.

Jack Grealish – 7/10

A fourth international goal for Jack Grealish, with 50% of those coming in the four fixtures under Lee Carsley. Having been snubbed for Euro 2024, the Manchester City winger is keen to prove a point with England and is playing with freedom under the new manager. Took his goal calmly to open the scoring.

Harry Kane – 5/10

A quiet night for the England captain, in contrast to his well-taken brace when these teams met at Wembley in September. Some nice touches and hold-up, but largely on the fringes.

Substitutes

Ollie Watkins (Kane, 70’) – 7/10

A real positive cameo. Having been overlooked in a formation featuring no forward against Greece, Watkins showed what he can bring to the England side. Did excellently to set up Declan Rice’s goal with a surging run down the left.

Noni Madueke (Palmer, 70′) – 7/10

Introduced for Chelsea teammate Palmer, Madueke made a positive contribution with a lively showing. Nearly created a second goal for England with a good run, only to just evade Watkins with the final delivery.

Phil Foden (Bellingham, 80’) N/A

Rico Lewis (Gomes, 80’) N/A

Conor Gallagher (Rice, 85’) N/A

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See more – Five of the best Finnish players to ever play in the Premier League

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