England player ratings vs Finland: Trent Alexander-Arnold stars as Angel Gomes impresses again

England returned to winning ways as they beat Finland 3-1 in Helsinki.

The Three Lions move temporarily level on points with Nations League Group B2 leaders Greece, after recovering from their defeat to the Greeks on Thursday with a professional display against Finland.

They took the lead on 18 minutes when Angel Gomes assisted Jack Grealish but then allowed Finland a few chances with some suspect defending.

England’s performance improved midway through the second half, and they made sure of victory through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning free-kick and a clever poked finish from Declan Rice. But Arttu Hoskonen netted a free header from a corner to deny England a clean-sheet late on.

Dom Smith was on hand to rate the England players’ performances…

Dean Henderson 6

Made one poor pass out from the back under pressure, but also made a decent save in the first half. Solid on his first England start and unlucky not to claim a clean-sheet.

Kyle Walker 5

Decent display defensively, but slowed England down when they were on the attack.

John Stones 5

Afforded Fredrik Jensen the space and time to shoot on goal in the second half and was fortunate Jensen squandered it.

Marc Guehi 6

Composed passing out from the back, and it will be difficult going forward for Harry Maguire to dislodge Guehi now as Stones’s first-choice partner.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 8

Saw plenty of the ball as he drifted into midfield from an unusual left-back position. One of England’s better players on the night, capping off a bright performance with a stunning free-kick.

Angel Gomes 7

Really good performance from a player who owes his international career to Lee Carsley. Lovely assist for the opening goal.

Declan Rice 7

Was sharper than against Greece now that he had a bona fide central midfield partner in the form of Gomes, and made sure of all three points by netting the third.

Cole Palmer 6

Less involved than against Greece on Thursday but had one good effort which Lukas Hradecky did well to save.

Jude Bellingham 6

Played one nice pick-out to find Declan Rice and put in a tireless shift with constant off-the-ball movement. Just didn’t quite fall for him, but played well.

Jack Grealish 7

Took his goal with a cultured finish and made it possible by making a clever run behind the defence. Looked full of confidence.

Harry Kane 6

Some nice touches to evade Finland’s challenges, but otherwise a quiet night for the returning England skipper.

Subs:

Ollie Watkins (Kane, 70’) 6

Struggled to get into the game until a nice down the left saw him assist Rice for the third goal.

Noni Madueke (Palmer, 70’) 6

One lovely run almost earned England a second goal, but his cross was slightly behind Watkins. Really positive display.

Phil Foden (Bellingham, 80’) N/A

Rico Lewis (Gomes, 80’) N/A

Conor Gallagher (Rice, 85’) N/A

Not used: Pickford, Pope, Gordon, Colwill, Livramento, Solanke