Harry Kane nets a brace against Finland on his 100th senior appearance for England, securing Lee Carsley’s side back-to-back Nations League victories.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe England captain lead the line in a pair of golden boots to mark the occasion and his side begun on the front foot as expected. England enjoyed almost all of the ball in the opening moments of the match, positioning themselves on the edge of the penalty area before finding a white shirt in the box.
This became increasingly difficult though, as out of possession Finland had eight outfield players in the box to clear any danger. After 11 minutes, England had 90% possession and had completed 117 passes, whereas Finland had completed just 11.
Embed from Getty ImagesHalf way through the first 45 minutes it seemed as though Kane had marked his night with a goal but the celebrations were stopped instantly as the linesman raised his flag for offside.
VAR confirmed the decision and the game remained goalless, a lovely header from Kane but he was a fraction offside. Aside from that brief moment of joy, their wasn’t much else for England fans to be excited about in the first half as there was a lack of clear cut chances.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs the interval neared, England’s tempo dropped more and more until it almost looked like the speed of play we were used to seeing at Euro 2024. Credit had to go to Finland who had defended immensely against tricky players such as Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.
Finland even had an opportunity to catch England out on the counter as Declan Rice needlessly lost possession in his own half. Topi Keskinen capitilised on the error and burst towards goal; with Finland’s top goalscorer Teemu Pukki to his left with only Pickford in front of him it seemed like Markku Kanerva’s side would take an unlikely lead.
Instead the Finland midfielder opted to shoot himself but his effort sailed high and wide into the stands, understandably Pukki was fuming at his teammates selfishness. At the break, the score remained 0-0.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the second England came racing out the blocks, playing at a much higher intensity and were rewarded for that within 12 minutes. Kane got his goal with a thunderous effort moments after being denied an overhead kick goal by Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
Trent Alexander-Arnold claimed yet another assist, showing his quick thinking to play into Kane who knocked the ball around his marker before unleashing a thumping strike into the roof of the net from range. 100 appearances, 67 goals; it’s not a bad record is it?
Embed from Getty Images20 minutes later, Kane doubled the lead with another impressive finish, this time a sweeping strike into the far corner. Madueke marked his England debut with an assist within 10 minutes of coming on, knocking the ball into Kane’s path for him to convert.
The Bayern Munich talisman took a quick glance at Hradecky, before striking the ball first-time into the bottom left corner with ease. A tricky finish but he made it look so simple to secure the win for England.
2-0 England meaning back-to-back victories under Lee Carsley who enjoyed a positive opening night under the arch. More importantly a perfect night for Kane who inspired his side to a win once again.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
INMR FOOTBALL 
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