Harry Kane celebrated his 100th game for England with two goals in England’s 2-0 win over Finland in the UEFA Nations League.
The Bayern Munich striker, who had a first-half header for offside, fired home twice in the second half to guide Lee Carsley to a second successive win as England caretaker manager.
How did the game happen?
England were in the lead in the early stages. Bukayo Saka was at the heart of the scoring after just four minutes, but it took 20 minutes for the Three Lions to score their first goal. Kane found space but saw a fierce strike denied by Lukas Hradecky.
The Bayern Munich striker had the ball in the back of the net moments later, connecting with a diving header, but an offside flag quickly canceled the celebrations.
Although it was one-way, Topi Keskinen had Jordan Pickford on the move and perhaps should have helped the equaliser, opting to shoot despite an unmarked Teemu Pukki.
Saka was on fire as England pushed for action with their biggest possession, before Trent Alexander-Arnold sent the fans off their seats with a low drive that veered agonizingly wide of the post.
When it was time for the break, England found themselves sitting at 77% but scoring only two shots, they failed to break down the stubborn defense of Finland.
Kane’s free kick clipped Hradecky’s gloves early in the second half, and the Finnish goalkeeper had to be alert to deny both Anthony Gordon and Kane again, but there was to be no denying the late England captain on the 57th minute mark .
After breaking away from a defender, Kane struck a thunderous strike from the edge of the box that bounced over Hradecky and back into the net with a convincing strike off the crossbar.
Kane added his second with 15 minutes to go, collecting a cut-back from debutant Noni Madueke and curling it neatly into the net to remove any doubt about the result.
GK: Jordan Pickford – 6/10 – He immediately got out of his line to help sweep but he was a bystander.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9/10 – A creative force going forward, he played impressive passes to try and break Finland apart. He unexpectedly grabbed the assist for Kane’s first goal and started the second move.
CB: Ezri Konsa – 6/10 – It looks uncomfortable for the players of the Finnish team who did not show up but that is because he was left alone by all his teammates who were attacking him. He limped off at the hour mark.
CB: John Stones – 6/10 – Lots of forward passes to try and get the ball back into Finland’s final third as quickly as possible.
LB: Rico Lewis – 7/10 – Another top class display from Lewis at the other end. He spent most of his time playing on his stomach.
DM: Declan Rice – 6/10 – Perhaps he is too focused on attack, leaving his defenders exposed before the break. It settled down in the second half.
DM: Angel Gomes – 8/10 – It’s quiet and built in the middle of the field. He brought great vision to keep England playing well, but he also made a real impact with his intense pressing.
RM: Bukayo Saka – 7/10 – He lives on the attack and is always willing to charge his defender. He got in behind time and time again but didn’t always get the final pass.
AM: Jack Grealish – 7/10 – A bit slow at times but made up for it with some really smart passing. A major change in the design of the second goal.
LM: Anthony Gordon – 7/10 – It is incredibly dangerous in the early stages. He saw his influence fade a bit but was still a threat down the left.
ST: Harry Kane – 8/10 – He was unlucky to be caught offside with his header in the first half but was not denied. Two great goals to mark her big day.
What you are holding
SUB: Levi Colwill (61′ for Konsa) – 6/10
SUB: Noni Madueke (66′ for Saka) – 7/10
SUB: Ebere Eze (66′ for Gordon) – 6/10
SUB: Marc Guehi (80′ for Guehi) – N/A
SUB: Jarrod Bowen (80′ for Kane) – N/A
Subs used: Dean Henderson (GK), Nick Pope (GK), Harry Maguire, Tino Livramento, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Gibbs-White
The manager
Lee Carsley – 7/10 – England were clearly the better team here, which is hardly surprising. Carsley’s willingness to put faith in Gomes deserves credit, as does his special use of Alexander-Arnold.
Best player – Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
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