England had a mixed night against Finland in the Nations League but returned to winning ways under Lee Carsley with victory in Helsinki.

The interim manager returned to a more conventional system following Thursday’s shock defeat at home to Greece and Jack Grealish gave the visitors a deserved lead as he finished off a slick move.

England rather lost their way in the second half, with Harry Kane and Cole Palmer struggling in an attack that didn’t always click into life, and Fredrik Jensen should have equalised for the hosts.

But the Finland forward blazed over from inside yards before Trent Alexander-Arnold doubled England’s lead with an excellent free-kick in the 74th minute, firing into the top corner from 25 yards.

Declan Rice added a third, following a strong run from substitue Ollie Watkins, before Finland pulled one back late on following a corner to spoil Dean Henderson’s clean sheet.

Jack Grealish is the first to speak to ITV. He says that England “probably could’ve had a few more” tonight.

“It was difficult at times in the first half. We went in at half-time with a one goal lead and then we dominated.

“At the end, [we were] a bit gutted to concede from a set piece, but we needed a win.”

On his goal, he says that it “all comes from the manager, [he] lets me play with that freedom.

“We know what a top player he is,” he adds regarding Angel Gomes.

Grealish adds that he joked to Alexander-Arnold that “if you score this I’ll give you 500 quid, and he slapped it top bins”.

“I don’t think its been difficult. Whatever happens, there’ll always be some people saying stuff.

“In my honest opinion I don’t really get it. Hes a top, top manager, I love playing for him,” he says regarding Lee Carsley.

With that win, England remain second in League B Group 2, level on nine points with Greece, who play Ireland later today (with kick-off at 7.45pm BST). Greece currently sit ahead of the Three Lions on goal difference. 

The race for promotion may well hinge on England’s result in Athens in November.

“A decent win for England but not exactly a convincing one.

“Certainly, this international break has probably diluted Lee Carsley's arguments for the job a little - if he even wants it. If he does stay, though, it is by now clear that Angel Gomes - or a player like Angel Gomes is essential to the team's make-up. It is even more clear that he is going to have figure out complementary configurations for this attack.

“That is almost the ‘problem’ of having so many good players. There's pressure to play them all but they don't necessarily work well together. Here, despite all the clamour for younger talent, Jack Grealish showed he may be the best suited for Carsley's approach. He summed that up with a fine goal, that set England on the way to a 3-1 win.

“They still cough up a lot, though, and it's a slight concern that Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham were both relatively ineffective. Trent Alexander-Arnold is another, however, who looks like he revels under Carsley.”

FULL-TIME!

The referee brings the game to an end in Helsinki, and England take the three points in what was a welcome display after the loss against Greece.

Lee Carsley’s side stay second in their Nations League group.

Grealish drives into the box and tries to get the shot away, but it’s deflected.

Gallagher almost gets into trouble on the edge of his box but does well to get the pass away.

Both teams are still trying to create something in attack. Gallagher – who replaced Rice just after his goal – strides forward but can’t make anything of it.

Finland come on the attack themselves as Lod shifts it on to Pohjanpalo, but his shot from distance is charged down.

More good work from Antman as he swings in the cross, but Guehi does equally well to clear.

England counter, led by Madueke once again, before Grealish’s cross almost finds Foden free in the box.

There’ll be four minutes of added time in Helsinki.

Madueke is really trying to make something happen and he gets free in the box before rifling a shot against the side-netting.