UEFA Nations League

AFTER being cast as a summer scapegoat in Germany, Harry Kane is back to being simply the GOAT.England’s greatest goalscorer marked his 100th international appearance with an emphatic second-half double – two of the very best strikes he has ever conjured for his country.Harry Kane did what he does best on his 100th appearance for EnglandCredit: GettyThe star bagged twice to see England win 2-0Credit: PAIt was a golden night for Kane who made his 100th appearance for the Three LionsCredit: GettyAs a keen cricket fan, Kane knows the importance of marking a century and at Wembley tonight he raised his bat in style, leaving to a standing ovation from all four corners of Wembley ten minutes from time.That double took the Bayern Munich striker’s tally to 68. Kane claims he is aiming for three figures and you wouldn’t bet against the 31-year-old on this showing.Kane has been bristling at taking much of the blame for England’s faltering performances en route to the Euros Final.But after clearly struggling for full fitness during that campaign this was a welcome return to full sharpness, with two sweet finishes after a much busier all-round display.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was a second successive impressive performance for England under interim boss Lee Carsley. They were patient against a stubborn Finnish defence and an excellent keeper – lively, inventive and ultimately clinical.And while Kane stole the show, Trent Alexander-Arnold was magnificent, playing a major role in both goals. Carsley’s decision to employ him in his Liverpool role as a right-back/midfield playmaker proving a masterstroke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKane rifled his first goal into the roof of the netCredit: ReutersHe swept his second past Finland goalkeeper Lukas HradeckyCredit: GettyThe star had been searching for a goal to mark the historic occasionCredit: GettyKane helped Lee Carsley keep a perfect record as England bossCredit: APThe Anfield man looks liberated under Carsley’s interim regime and will surely be an automatic England starter from now on.Sure, this was still only a home win against a Finnish side ranked 63rd world but England lost to Iceland the last time they played at Wembley so should not be sniffed at.Harry Kane’s favourite England goalsEngland ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 69 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.We will be hearing a lot of the expression ‘you can only beat what’s in front of you’ during Carsley’s six-match autumn audition against the Finns, Ireland and Greece – but England have at least done their job with a touch of flourish this week.And just two games into the campaign we can safely say that top-tier Nations League football is coming home.Carsley’s maiden outing in charge – especially the first half – had been a triumph in Dublin, with England free-flowing and thrilling in a 2-0 win.But it initially looked an inauspicious first Wembley date for the interim boss – piddling rain, thousands of empty seats and low-rent opposition which included former Norwich striker Teemu Pukki and a bloke who plays for Aberdeen with a tattoo of Wayne Rooney fishing on his arm.Kane was handed a golden cap by fellow 100 Club members Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole as well as a bunch of flowers from Finnish keeper Lukas Hradecky.After a big-screen shot of Carsley not singing God Save The King – and that’s surely enough of that now – and applause for the late Sven Goran Eriksson, we were off.And it all seemed to be about trying to tee up Kane for a goal on his landmark night.First, Anthony ‘Flash’ Gordon centred but Kane headed back across goal when he might have scored, then he skied a deflected effort from a Bukayo Saka cross.As in Dublin, England were zipping it around nicely. Angel Gomes, on his first England start, was neat and tiny, looking even shorter than his 5ft 6in frame in comically big shorts and short socks.The little Lille midfielder produced a peach of a pass for Kane, who swivelled and had a shot pushed away by his pre-match Interflora man.Next, Alexander-Arnold played a sweet reverse pass and Saka’s deflected cross-shot forced a decent improv save from Hradecky.When Kane first found the net, heading home a curling Saka centre midway through the first half, the linesman correctly spotted a toenail offside.England hogged the ball, possessive as jealous lovers and forced a succession of corners.But the Finns, preparing for months without sunlight, were pulling down the blackout blinds, defending in a low block which resembled a sandbagged roadblock.Alexander-Arnold, England’s most creative player, fizzed one just wide and it felt a little churlish that paper planes were already descending onto the turf when Carsley’s men were playing pretty damned well.Trent Alexander-Arnold looks a man rejuvenated under Lee CarsleyCredit: RexAngel Gomes looked comfortable in the middle of the parkCredit: GettyGomes was chopped down by Glen Kamara on the edge of the box but Alexander-Arnold thudded his free-kick wide.The second half began with Ezri Konsa surviving an injury scare when he went over on his ankle.Then we were back to Hradecky versus England.In the space of five minutes, the Finnish keeper saved from an angled Rice shot, a Kane free-kick, a Gordon effort and a Kane overhead kick.Then finally the resistance was broken thanks to that piece of world-class quality from Kane.Alexander-Arnold made the pass, Kane slipped inside Robert Ivanov and thumped his shot in off the underside of the crossbar.He raced towards the corner flag, leapt in joy and was mobbed by his team-mates.Soon, left-back Rico Lewis dragged one wide when he ought to have doubled England’s lead and Konsa was replaced by Levi Colwill.Carsley soon sent on Ebere Eze and handed a debut to Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.READ MORE SUN STORIESEze should have scored from one of those first-time laser passes from Alexander-Arnold.The second arrived 15 minutes from time, another gorgeous first-time pass from Alexander-Arnold locating Madueke, who squared with the outside of his boot for Kane to rifle into the far corner.England players with 100 capsHere’s a list of all the players to have earned 100 caps for England…Peter Shilton – 125Wayne Rooney – 120David Beckham – 115Steven Gerrard – 114Bobby Moore – 108Ashley Cole – 107Bobby Charlton – 106Frank Lampard – 106Billy Wright – 105Harry Kane – 100 More

ENGLAND fans are warming to Lee Carsley for his refreshing tactics after the interim manager promised “exciting” football.Carsley, 50, began life after Gareth Southgate with a 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Saturday thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.Lee Carsley has vowed to play attacking football during his time as bossThe Three Lions will continue to play attack minded footballIt was the first of six matches Carsley has been guaranteed as he looks to make the case for him to be given the job permanently.England fans have been craving exciting and entertaining football, which wasn’t necessarily a top priority for the defensive minded Southgate.And Carsley’s latest comments have ignited optimism and joy among the Three Lions faithful who were keen to move away from the conservative tactics employed under the old regime.Before England face Finland on Tuesday, Carsley said: “I made a decision when I went into coaching that I wanted to play attacking football.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I want us to be playing with control but it’s important we’re exciting to watch.”I think when fans come to watch England play at home they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo and us to be on the ball. It’s entertainment.”One happy England fan wrote on X: “This is music to our ears.”While another wrote: “How refreshing is that!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Carsley’s football is fast and forward-thinking build up play. What’s not to love? 🙌”Carsley played a 4-2-3-1 formation when he lifted the Euros with the U21s in 2023, placing emphasis on dominating the ball and taking chances.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandBut his first senior game at the helm was not without its controversy as Irish fans booed and abused Rice and Grealish after they switched allegiances under Southgate.Carsley then refused to sing ‘God Save the King’ after earning 40 Irish caps during his career, before accidentally taking a seat in Ireland’s dugout.But former England striker Gary Lineker, 63, hailed the inclusion of Anthony Gordon, Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Saturday’s win.Speaking on The Rest is Football, he said: “It’s interesting as well, isn’t it, that perhaps some of the things fans were most disappointed about in the Euros – well, probably three things, maybe more.”But everyone wanted Gordon to play on the left because we all saw a weakness and an unbalance on that side. Grealish was left out entirely which bemused fans and Southgate never really trusted Trent.”In the first game Carsley has come up with all these things and a lot of us are going ‘you see? We told you’.”The Three Lions host Finland on Tuesday in Carsley’s first game at Wembley as boss.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More