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Finland vs England player ratings: Bellingham disappoints but Alexander-Arnold offers solution

Trent Alexander-Arnold of England reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between Finland and England at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Helsinki, Finland.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was played at left-back for England in Helsinki - Getty Images/Michael Regan

England returned to winning ways as Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice ensured a 3-1 victory in Finland, who scored a late consolation goal through Arttu Hoskonen.

Telegraph Sport analyses and rates each player’s performance.

England (4-2-3-1)


Dean Henderson

Surprise start after Jordan Pickford’s poor display against Greece, he dealt with straightforward shots and was not to know Benjamin Kallman was offside when he saved well. Bizarrely was not taking goal-kicks. 6/10

Kyle Walker

First minutes under Carsley and had good battles on his flank but would have liked to have attacked more and linked up with Cole Palmer better. 5/10

John Stones

Important early block saved England, he had a good tussle with Fredrik Jensen, who looked to take him on when one-on-one. Carried the ball forward into the midfield. 6/10

Marc Guehi

Never out of position and made important blocks, tackles and interceptions when Finland tried to slide their forwards in down the side between him and Alexander-Arnold. 7/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Beautiful free-kick for his goal. New option for England in problem left-back position, where he had not played for Liverpool this season. 7/10

Angel Gomes

Lovely assist when he slipped ball behind Finland’s defence for opener. Guilty of losing possession early which led to Topi Keskinen chance – but mistakes accepted with his style. 7/10

Declan Rice

Took goal well. He started deep alongside Angel but clearly had instructions to move forward and join attacks, which resulted in him scoring from close range. 7/10

Cole Palmer

Quiet first half so started drifting inside after the break into central position but it was congested. Got a shot away that was saved well. 5/10

Finland's Fredrik Jensen (left) challenges for the ball with England's Angel Gomes during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Finland and England, at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland, Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Angel Gomes produced a glorious assist for Grealish’s opener - AP/Markku Ulander

Jude Bellingham

Played in the No 10 role before going forward and playing up front at times. Got in good positions without the final pass or shot coming off. 5/10

Jack Grealish

Cool finish when he went through to open the scoring, he kept the ball well and drew the odd foul. Four goals for England now and half of them have come under Carsley. 7/10

Harry Kane

Passed fit to start after missing the Greece defeat but the England captain struggled for chances – he did not have sight of goal – although he dropped deep to get involved in the play. 5/10

Subs: Noni Madueke 69 (Palmer), Ollie Watkins 69 (Kane), Phil Foden 80 (Bellingham), Rico Lewis 80 (Gomes), Connor Gallagher 85 (Rice).
Not used: Colwill, Gordon, Livramento, Pickford (g), Pope (g), Solanke.

Finland (4-3-3): Hradecky (c) 6; Alho 6 (Antman 82), Hoskonen 7, Ivanov 5, Uronen 6; Kamara 6, Schüller 4 (Walta 63), Peltola 6; Jensen 7 (Lod 75), Kallman 6 (Pohjanpalo 63), Keskinen 7 (Pukki 75). Not used: Galvez, Joronen (g), Nissila, Pikkarainen, Sinisalo (g), Stahl, Tenho.

Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili (Georgia).

Attendance: 32,411.