Harry Kane marked his 100th England cap in style by scoring two goals as the Three Lions cruised to a comfortable victory over Finland at Wembley.
Lee Carsley’s winning start to life as England interim manager continued on Tuesday night with another 2-0 win in the Nations League.
Captain Kane bagged both goals after the break as his side dominated the match against a stubborn Finnish side who themselves squandered two great opportunities to score on the break.
It was a very good but hardly flawless performance from Carsley’s team, with the boss making four changes from the 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland with Angel Gomes handed his full debut at the heart of the midfield.
Here’s how the Three Lions got on against the Eagle-Owls:
Jordan Pickford – 7Finland didn’t give Jordan Pickford anything to do with both their shots off target. Calmly rushed out to clear the ball on the brief occasions he needed to.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8England’s most creative player, the right-back teed up Kane for the opener and his delicious pass to Noni Madueke lead to the second. Had chances to score himself with one shot just wide off the post while his free-kick was just too high.
John Stones – 7Didn’t have an awful lot to do. No closer to knowing which defensive combination Carsley prefers but the Manchester City star has put forward a strong case to remain first pick centre-back.
Ezri Konsa – 6A sloppy pass nearly gifted the Finns a goal but solid otherwise. Came off injured in the second-half after appearing to hurt his ankle which will worry Aston Villa fans.
Rico Lewis – 7Very lively down the left flank despite being a natural right-back. Good defensively and inverted into the midfield a lot to help the attack.
Declan Rice – 6Too easily robbed of possession which nearly led to a Finland goal. Very quiet compared to his outstanding performance against Ireland but was still very solid.
Angel Gomes – 7Not phased by the big occasion and looked very comfortable on the ball. Could well have scored on his first start after brilliantly snatching the ball off Matti Peltola in the box but the referee blow for a very soft foul.
Bukayo Saka – 7Always threatening down the right flank and put in a great cross for Kane’s offside goal. Arsenal fans will be very relieved to see him subbed off ahead of the North London Derby.
Jack Grealish – 6Like Rice a much quieter game compared to his showing in Dublin. Some good work to support the other attackers.
Anthony Gordon – 6Not as dangerous as he was against Ireland. Had a great chance saved by Lukas Hradecky in the second-half but his best work comes on the counter attack rather than when he has to break down a defence.
Harry Kane – 9The centurion himself. Two fantastic goals on a landmark night for the skipper and he could well have scored even more, with the narrowest of offsides costing him a hattrick. Always looked dangerous and a great way to bounce back following a disappointing Euros.
SubstitutesLevi Colwill 6 – Came on for the injured Konsa in 61st minute. Nice and solid but not much to do.
Noni Madueke 7 – Came on for Saka in 66th minute to make his debut. Very lively and always causing problems, he set up Kane’s second and fashioned several chances to score himself.
Eberechi Eze 6 – Came on for Gordon in 66th minute. Got himself in the right positions to score multiple times but couldn’t take his chances.
Marc Guehi N/A – Came on for Stones in 80th minute.
Jarrod Bowen N/A – Came on for Kane in 80th minute.
More to follow…
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