England continued their winning start to life under interim manager Lee Carsley by beating Finland 2-0 in the UEFA Nations League.
The hosts were frustrated for much of the first half by a well-organised opposition, who even threatened on the counter at times.
Harry Kane had a goal ruled out for offside 25 minutes in but made up for it with a superb strike early in the second half.
The Bayern Munich man rifled a powerful effort in off the woodwork to score his 67th goal for England.
Carsley’s men continued to push forward following their breakthrough and Kane had his second 15 minutes from time.
Substitute Noni Madueke broke down the right before cutting the ball back to his skipper, who fired into the corner with a first-time strike.
On a comfortable night in the end, it was an important win that England at the top of League B Group 1 in the Nations League.
How it happened
With a few changes thrown in by Carsley, there was an air of excitement at the idea of watching some relatively unknown England players.
Rico Lewis and Angel Gomes are both known for their clubs of course, and they did well to make a good first impression for their country too.
Gomes was particularly bright in the first half alongside Declan Rice, breaking up the play and linking up well with Jack Grealish – who has been operating in a more free role under the interim manager – through some intricate passing.
Lewis complimented Anthony Gordon on the left-hand side, often charging forward as the Three Lions dominated early on.
Lukas Hradecky had a few important saves to make in the opening 45 minutes, initially denying captain Kane on his 100th appearance for England.
Historic Harry. pic.twitter.com/knkO6SSbEK
— England (@England) September 10, 2024
Naturally, there were plenty of half chances for the hosts at Wembley as they dominated 75% of the ball in the first half.
The visitors had a couple of good chances on the counter-attack through Topi Keskinen, but the winger’s two shots at goal did not force Jordan Pickford into a save.
It looked like there was a breakthrough when Kane’s diving header 25 minutes in settled in the net, but it was ruled out for a fractional offside.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also went close with a free-kick, but just missed the frame of the goal, meaning it remained goalless as the referee signalled the end of the opening half.
It was a similar story for the Three Lions, who have only led at half time in one of their previous seven matches at Wembley (drawn four, lost two at the break), with that being against Malta back in November 2023 (1-0 at half time).
But the second half was a clean slate and a chance to find their clinical touch as Finland continued to remain firm and solid at the back.
It’s time for the second half 🙌
COME ON ENGLAND! pic.twitter.com/dFOF6Sp3YQ
— England (@England) September 10, 2024
Carsley’s men certainly upped the pace after emerging back into the pouring London rain.
Rice had the first good opportunity, seeing his low effort deflected over the bar after some good work from Grealish to dance into a dangerous position.
Kane then smashed a free-kick on the edge of the box towards goal, forcing a brilliant low save from the goalkeeper again.
Two more good saves followed, firstly from Gordon’s driven effort and then an audacious Kane overhead kick.
But the captain broke the deadlock moments later.
After Alexander-Arnold won the ball back high up, he found the feet of Kane who shifted the ball onto his right foot before rifling it home off the crossbar, marking his 100th cap with a goal.
What it means! 😍 pic.twitter.com/JgzMDE7hNT
— England (@England) September 10, 2024
And the elite striker did not stop there.
In the 75th minute, Kane linked up well with debutant and substitute Madueke, who found space in the box and picked out his former Tottenham team-mate.
Unsurprisingly, he swept the ball home and wheeled off to celebrate the perfect night for England’s all-time top goalscorer.
That would be his last meaningful action before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation.
Carsley used the two-goal cushions to make plenty of changes for the final 10 minutes as England coasted home in front of a jubilant home crowd.
There was plenty to like about the performance, and it is another tick next to Carsley’s name as he continues pushing for a permanent place in the dugout.
