England revived their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Sunday, shaking off the disappointment of their midweek loss to Greece. Goals from Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Declan Rice ensured Lee Carsley’s side stayed level on points with group leaders Greece, boosting their hopes of promotion from Group B2.
The Three Lions started brightly, taking the lead in the 18th minute when Grealish coolly slotted home after receiving a clever through ball from Angel Gomes. Finland responded with energy, creating several opportunities to equalize, but their finishing let them down. Fredrik Jensen, in particular, wasted two key chances—one in the first half and another early in the second—failing to hit the target from close range.
As Finland began to fade, England took control. Alexander-Arnold extended the lead in the 74th minute with a spectacular free-kick, curling the ball into the top corner from just outside the box. Declan Rice then made it 3-0 ten minutes later, completing a well-timed run into the box to finish off Ollie Watkins’ low cross.
Despite England’s dominance in the second half, Finland grabbed a consolation goal in the 87th minute when Arttu Hoskonen headed home from a corner, spoiling Dean Henderson’s hopes of a clean sheet on his first start for the national team. Speaking after the match, Grealish expressed satisfaction with the win but lamented the late goal. “It’s frustrating to concede from a set piece, but the most important thing was to get the three points,” he said, celebrating his goal with a thumb-sucking gesture to honor the recent birth of his daughter.
The victory came after Carsley made six changes to the squad following their 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley. With captain Harry Kane returning from injury, England reverted to a more conventional setup, which paid off with a more composed and structured performance. Carsley admitted the changes were necessary after the experimental approach against Greece backfired.
England’s win leaves them level with Greece on nine points, though they remain second in the group on goal difference. Greece will host Ireland later on Sunday, a match that could shape the standings heading into the final fixtures. England’s path to promotion will likely depend on their next encounter with Greece in Athens on November 14, where victory will be crucial.
Finland’s loss keeps them rooted to the bottom of the group, with little hope of advancing. Despite their spirited effort, they were left to rue missed opportunities that could have changed the course of the game.
For England, the win not only keeps their promotion hopes alive but also provides a much-needed boost after the setback against Greece. Carsley’s side will need to build on this momentum as they aim to secure a place in League A for the next edition of the Nations League.
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