One red-hot star ‘did nothing’, another was barely noticeable and which goalscorer still isn’t the long-term answer?
England beat Finland 3-1 in the Nations League to put the sorrows and subsequent inquest of Thursday’s defeat by Greece behind them.
Jack Grealish netted his second goal under Lee Carsley in the first half before Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free-kick in the second, with Declan Rice adding a tap-in.
Finland dampened the mood slightly with a late riposte from Arttu Hoskonen but this was a much improved performance from Lee Carsley’s side, who saw Greece stick the ball in their net five times just three days ago.
Which star appears to be ‘on the decline’? And which superstar managed to be nothing better than ‘average’?
Mail Sport’s Craig Hope was on the ground at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium to bring you our player ratings.
England (4-2-3-1)
Dean Henderson – 6
One decent save but was also spared by some wild finishing. Didn’t take his goal-kicks, bizarrely. Didn’t do anything wrong, though.
Kyle Walker – 5
Does not attack like he once did, and England needed some pace to break behind Finland. Feels like he’s on the decline. Couple of shaky moments defensively
John Stones – 6
Big block after Gomes error but still not at his sharpest. Was fortunate that Finland squandered a couple of big chances.
Marc Guehi – 6.5
Always tidy on ball and quick feet got him out of one tricky spot. Composed on the whole, even if beaten in air a couple of times.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Some good going forward, some bad going back over. Wonderful free-kick goal and plenty of nice involvements, but he’s not a left back.
Declan Rice – 6.5
Gomes presence allowed him to get forward but touch let him down when breaking into area on couple of occasions. Eventually got reward with close-range goal.
Angel Gomes – 7.5
Such a cute pass for opener and had more involvement than any other player. Carsley has got his inclusion right. Man of the match.
Cole Palmer – 5
Another game not at No 10 and barely got a kick first half, one scuffed cross apart. More involved second half but did nothing of note. Sympathy, but needs to do more.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Average. Got the nod at No 10 but no link-up with Kane. Increasingly becoming a ‘moments’ player for England.
Jack Grealish – 6.5
Took goal nicely and always wanted ball – but why doesn’t he dribble more and commit defenders? A decent game, but not long-term answer on left.
Harry Kane – 4.5
Back after injury, not that you could tell. Rarely involved and had just one effort (off target) all night. England form should be a worry.
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane 69) – 6.5
Noni Madeuke (on for Palmer 69) – 7
Phil Foden (on for Bellingham 80) – 5.5
Rico Lewis (on for Gomes 80) – 5.5
Conor Gallagher (on for Rice 85) – N/A
Manager – Lee Carsley – 6.5
A more competent display after the incoherence of Thursday. Still, his team were too slow in possession at times. Got Gomes selection right.
Finland (4-2-3-1): Hradecky 5.5; Alho 5.5 (Antman 82), Hoskonen 6.5, Ivanov 6, Uronen 5; Schüller 6 (Walta 63, 5), Peltola 6; Jensen 4.5 (Lod 75, 5), Kamara 6.5, Keskinen 6.5 (Pukki 75, 5.5); Kallman 6 (Pohjanpalo 63, 5)
Manager: Markku Kanerva 6
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili 7
