‘Negative’ Cole Palmer given brutal 2/10 rating but England substitutes get 9/10 from win over Finland
This was much better than Greece, but more questions about England still linger.
The Three Lions got back to winning ways after their shocking defeat on Thursday night with a 3-1 victory over Finland in the Nations League.
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This was more like it from England after their shambolic performance against GreeceCredit: GettyJack Grealish’s calm finish in the first half after latching onto Angel Gomes’ incisive through ball got things off and running for Lee Carsley’s men.
The win was sealed on 74 minutes thanks to a delicious free-kick from 20 yards out by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was playing in a new left-back role in Helsinki.
Declan Rice then made it 3-0 ten minutes later when he poked the ball home from close range. Defender Arttu Hoskonen pulled one back for the hosts late in the game.
READ MORE ON ENGLANDDespite three goals and a crucial three points, it was another pedestrian performance by England, who at times rode their luck with Fredrik Jensen missing a massive opportunity for the home side early in the second half when England were 1-0 up.
Football is a results business, however, England played within themselves in a performance that will concern fans.
None more so than Adrian Durham, who gives his marks out of ten for the England men.
‘No chance of keeping Saka out’There were high hopes for Cole Palmer this international break following his blistering start to the season with Chelsea.
However, the clashes against Finland and Greece have simply passed by England’s Player of the Year having been given ample opportunity to show what he can do by Carsley.
It should be remembered that Palmer has made only 11 senior appearances for England but it was his application which made Durham give him a 2/10, the lowest score from across the England side.
“His body language when he came off was almost as negative as while he was playing,” Durham said.
“He’s told everyone he’s got no chance of keeping Bukayo Saka out of the team when he’s fit.”
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Palmer struggled to get involved in the game and was the first England player to be substitutedCredit: Getty’Never looked like scoring’Captain Kane was recalled to the starting XI with injury keeping him out of the defeat to Greece.
Unfortunately his lack of sharpness showed with the Bayern Munich star uncharacteristically ineffective against the Fins.
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“He never looked like scoring and was taken off well before the end,” Durham said as he gave Kane a 3/10 rating.
Kane was hooked off on 69 minutes, with Ollie Watkins replacing him. And England looked much better following his and Chelsea star Noni Madeueke’s introduction.
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Kane couldn’t add to his record 68 goals for EnglandCredit: AFP’Instant dynamism’He was only on the pitch for 20 minutes of the 90, but Watkins’ performance had Durham purring with the forward a 9/10 rating.
The Aston Villa marksman stretched the Finnish defence and had a hand in England’s third goal as he supplied the cross for Rice on the left.
“Instant dynamism, he was involved as England won the free kick to score the second and made the third,” Durham said on Watkins.
Watkins came on at the same time as Madueke, who was also mentioned in dispatches by Durham.
Read More on talkSPORT”He actually took on his full back a minute after coming on. And he carried on doing it,” Durham said on Madueke when giving him a 9/10.
Durham gave England’s interim boss Carsley a 6/10, saying: “Better shape, better selection. He likes his team to pass pass pass. It was a bit boring but we won.”
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Watkins injected more pace into England’s attacksCredit: Getty
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As was Chelsea star MaduekeCredit: GettyEngland player ratings vs Finland
Dean Henderson – 7
Kyle Walker – 4
John Stones – 5
Marc Guehi – 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Angel Gomes – 6
Declan Rice – 6
Cole Palmer – 2
Jude Bellingham – 7
Jack Grealish – 7
Harry Kane – 3
Lee Carsley – 6
SUB: Noni Madueke – 9
SUB: Ollie Watkins – 9
SUB: Phil Foden – N/A
SUB: Rico Lewis – N/A
