HELSINKI: England’s interim manager Lee Carsley was a much happier man after the final whistle in Helsinki than last Thursday at Wembley.

Carsey, having seen his team recover from defeat by Greece by defeating Finland 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League said: “I think we could have had a few more goals especially towards the end as the game opened up. It was difficult at times in the first half, but we went in at halftime with a one-goal lead, and then I think we dominated the game.”

England’s goals came from Jack Grealish in the first half then Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice in the second.

Grealish, who celebrated his goal by sucking his thumb in acknowledgement of his daughter born last month, said: “The goal came from the manager letting us play with that freedom. At the end, we were a bit gutted as players to concede from a set piece. But we needed a win today, so happy with that.”

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Liverpool’s roving Alexander-Arnold put England firmly in control with a 75th-minute free kick. England had hardly been impressive but at least they were back on solid ground in terms of tactics and shape.

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