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England v Finland LIVE: Nations League result as Harry Kane scores twice on 100th appearance

 (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

England continued their winning streak under interim manager Lee Carsley as they backed up their victory over the Republic of Ireland with a 2-0 win against Finland at Wembley.

The Three Lions impressed in the first half in Dublin with a free-flowing and agressive style of play but here they were frustrated trying to break through a low block though Anthony Gordon was a bright spark on the left side especially when combining with Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis.

Harry Kane, making his 100th appearance for England tonight, thought he’d opened the scoring with a fine header from Bukayo Saka’s cross but the goal was chalked off for offside resulting in a goalless first 45 minutes.

But, Kane broke the deadlock with a blistering second half strike. He added a second after being fed the ball in the box by substitute Noni Madueke and capped off a night to remember with another superb win.

Relive all the updates from the Nations League match between England and Finland below.

England v Finland LIVE

  • REPORT: The one part of ‘Carsball’ that should have England fans excited

  • ANALYSIS: Harry Kane brings up 100 caps on golden night – and he really can score 100 England goals

  • RATINGS: Angel Gomes and Trent Alexander-Arnold shine in Wembley win

  • FT England defeat Finland 2-0 in the Nations League

  • 76’ GOAL! Kane doubles England’s lead after a fine move (ENG 2-0 FIN)

  • 57’ GOAL! Kane finally opens the scoring and rattles past Hradecky (ENG 1-0 FIN)

  • 54’ SAVE! Hradecky denies Kane from a free kick (ENG 0-0 FIN)

  • 41’ CLOSE Alexander-Arnold’s shot is pulled wide (ENG 0-0 FIN)

  • 23’ DISALLOWED! Kane meets Saka’s cross and heads home but he’s offside (ENG 0-0 FIN)

  • 21’ SAVE! Kane drills a shot at Hradecky who keeps it out (ENG 0-0 FIN)

The one part of ‘Carsball’ that should have England fans excited – even if it is only Nations League B

22:47 , Mike Jones

As much as this match rightfully became about Harry Kane, there was something else it resembled as Lee Carsley’s England fluidly worked the ball to the centurion for his 67th and 68th international goals. It was like one of the top Premier League teams patiently moving a Championship side around until the gaps presented themselves.

That is intended to be much more positive than it sounds, even if nights like this show – well – the less exhilarating side of the Nations League. International football isn’t all tournament intensity where emotions are pushed to the limits. It is usually this kind of night, especially if you are an elite-level squad relegated to the competition’s second division, as England are.

A limited but respectable side like Finland will dig in and make it difficult for you, potentially making it a long night.

The one part of ‘Carsball’ that should have England fans excited

Harry Kane brings up 100 caps on golden night – and he really can score 100 England goals

22:36 , Mike Jones

He wore golden boots, just as he has won them. Three as the Premier League’s top scorer, one for outscoring everyone else in a World Cup. It was a fitting way to mark Harry Kane’s century of caps, though. Not the most fitting: that came after the presentations. England 2-0 Finland was Kane 2-0 Finland, a golden night for the golden boots.

Yet there is something unflashy to him. Kane has been defined by goals but he has also exuded a reliability. “I want to score goals,” he said; a bland enough statement but a motto for his career. It was unsurprising, then, on his 100th cap and with England requiring a goal, that Kane obliged.

He took Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass, turned away from Robert Ivanov in deft fashion and then delivered the brutal finish, rising as it flew past Lukas Hradecky. It was typical of a man whose hunger is rarely sated by one that he swept in another, with expert precision, from Noni Madueke’s pass.

Harry Kane brings up 100 caps – and he really can score 100 England goals

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:48 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley is the first England manager to win his first two competitive games and keep a clean sheet in both since Steve McClaren in 2006. Indeed, Jordan Pickford has only had to make one save across Carsley’s first two games in charge (in the 11th minute against Republic of Ireland).

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:44 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane scored his 26th and 27th goals in 35 appearances at Wembley for his country; already the most of any England player at the venue.

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:40 , Mike Jones

Lille’s Angel Gomes became the first player to start for England while playing for a French club since Marseille’s Trevor Steven in June 1992 (v France).

Harry Kane wears golden boots as he scores twice on 100th England cap

22:32 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane was sporting a pair of golden boots as England took on Finland in his 100th appearance for the national side – and scored twice wearing the new footwear.

Only nine players have reached 100 caps for England before Kane, and the Bayern Munich forward led his side out in the Nations League match at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.

The Football Association made pre-match ceremony which included a golden cap presentation, made by Frank Lampard.

Harry Kane wears golden boots as he scores twice on 100th England cap

Harry Kane awarded golden cap by England legend - but it all gets too much for his son

22:28 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane was awarded a gold cap to mark his 100th England appearance on Tuesday night (10 September) - but the celebration was all too much for his young son.

The striker, 31, was accompanied onto the Wembley pitch by his two daughters ahead of kick-off against Finland, where he became the first player to reach 100 games since Wayne Rooney achieved the feat in November 2014.

But as Kane lined up with his teammates, the ITV cameras cut back to the tunnel, where his crying son was being carried away.

The Bayern Munich star was presented his gold cap by fellow England centurion Frank Lampard.

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:24 , Mike Jones

Noni Madueke speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “It was great to make my first appearance for the national team and I am really proud of myself. It has been a great week, the boys are great and the staff and players have made me feel welcome.

“It tried to go out there and be direct and cause problems. I got an assist for Harry [Kane] on his 100th appearance - it can’t get much better than that. It is fitting that Harry got both goals - it is his night.

“It is fun to work with Harry because if you give him the ball in the box he is going to get you an assist - Stonesy [John Stones] has been great with me and Dec [Rice], Jack [Grealish] - it is a great group of lads.

“I cannot wait to get back to Chelsea and to keep performing.”

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:20 , Mike Jones

England manager Lee Carsley talking to ITV: “Harry [Kane] took his goals really well, a big occasion for him. Kids being here, an emotional night, but really happy for Harry. He fully deserves all the plaudits.

“What I have noticed this week is he is highly motivated to play for England and score goals and to have a centre forward like that, hopefully it continues.

“We played Trent [Alexander-Arnold] in a different position, along with Rico [Lewis], you have seen with Trent an array of passing, an ability to control the game. Not a surprise as we have seen him do it for Liverpool.

“I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone. Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards. Fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.”

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:16 , Mike Jones

England attempted 801 passes in this game, the highest total by any team in a single match in the 2024-25 Nations League.

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:12 , Mike Jones

Greece defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Dublin and, like England, have six points from their two matches in the Nations League so far.

England host Greece at Wembley on Thursday 10th October and the winner of that one will be in pole position to win the group and move into League A.

England player ratings: Angel Gomes and Trent Alexander-Arnold shine in Wembley win over Finland

22:09 , Mike Jones

England saw off a stubborn Finland at Wembley to continue their perfect start to the Nations League campaign under new manager Lee Carsley.

Harry Kane scored twice on his 100th appearance for his country while wearing golden boots – having been presented with a golden cap before kick-off.

Here is how the England players rated:

England player ratings: Angel Gomes and Trent Alexander-Arnold shine in Wembley win

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:08 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley has won both of his matches in charge of England and has visibly changed the way the team play from the Gareth Southgate era.

Kane says it’s been ‘great’ to work with the new boss but there are improvements still to be made. He told ITV:

“I mean 2-0, a really good performance so we’re not going to complain. We spoke about being ruthless and in the first half we had opportunities to go ahead but in these games, you’ve just got to keep knocking on the door and you’ll get your rewards. That’s what happened tonight.

“He’s [Lee Carsley] come in with a great energy and talks a lot about freedom and going out there playing with you’re best attributes, attacking and hurting a team. Without the ball suffocating teams, we’ve done that well over the two games, of course there’s room for improvement but it’s been a great start for him and it’s been great to work with him.”

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:04 , Mike Jones

More from Harry Kane who praised Trent Alexander-Arnold’s work over the two games during this international break. He said:

“Great performance [from Trent Alexander-Arnold]. He backed up another top performance that he played against Ireland as well.

“We know what Trent can do when he gets into those pockets, looks forward and has runners in behind. You saw that today, even though it was nil-nil for a while we were still threatening and we looked like the team who was going to break the deadlock.”

FT England 2-0 Finland

22:00 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane reacts to the victory over England. After the game he spoke to ITV saying: “It was a big night for me, I’m really proud to reach the 100 caps as there was a lot of talk about it. You know what I’m like, I want to score goals, I want to help the team, and it was great to be able to do that tonight.

“I think whenever you’re doubted throughout your career it makes you more hungry and determined to prove people wrong and prove to yourself that you can still play at a high level. I always back myself to score goals, especially in a team like this and creating the chances we do. I’m excited for the future.”

FT England 2-0 Finland

21:57 , Mike Jones

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

FT England 2-0 Finland

21:54 , Mike Jones

Fans inside Wembley Stadium paid tribute to the late Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of England’s Uefa Nations League clash against Finland on Tuesday evening (10 September).

The popular former manager, who led the national team at three major international tournaments from 2001 to 2006, died in August at the age of 76 after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

The match against Finland was England’s first home game since his passing.

Players wore black armbands, just as they did against Ireland over the weekend, and there was a period of applause ahead of kick-off.

The deaths of Craig Shakespeare, Kevin Campbell and Tommy Banks were also acknowledged on Tuesday night.

Harry Kane wears golden boots as he scores twice on 100th England cap

21:50 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane was sporting a pair of golden boots as England took on Finland in his 100th appearance for the national side – and scored twice wearing the new footwear.

Only nine players have reached 100 caps for England before Kane, and the Bayern Munich forward led his side out in the Nations League match at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.

The Football Association made pre-match ceremony which included a golden cap presentation, made by Frank Lampard.

Harry Kane wears golden boots as he scores twice on 100th England cap

FT England 2-0 Finland

21:47 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane is the only player to score more than once on his 100th appearance for the England men’s team. Tonight is his first double for his country since October 2023, when he netted twice versus Italy.

Full-time! England 2-0 Finland

21:39 , Mike Jones

90+5 mins: There goes the full-time whistle!

England have beaten Finland at Wembley. They are two wins from two in the Lee Carsely era and have shown enough promise to get fans enthused for what is still to come.

On his 100th appearance for the national team, captain Harry Kane scored both goals and made it a night to remember.

England 2-0 Finland

21:34 , Mike Jones

90 mins: A decent outing again for England tonight. Is Lee Carsley doing enough to convince the FA to give him the managerial role full-time?

Five added minutes to play.

England 2-0 Finland

21:32 , Mike Jones

87 mins: England are attempting to squeeze the ball through the smallest of gaps and get it into the penalty area. Finaland are defending deep and there’s no way through.

Despite being behind, it’s been a decent defensive effort from them tonight with only a couple of blips.

England 2-0 Finland

21:27 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Marc Guehi has also been brought on to replace John Stones for the final few minutes. England continue to control play and are looking to get forward.

They’re not sitting on their lead and seem to want to score more.

England 2-0 Finland

21:25 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Inside the final 10 minutes with England in complete control now.

Two goals from Harry Kane are enough to settle the match in their favour but there are plenty of players on the pitch now who hope to impress the current regime ahead of October’s international break.

England 2-0 Finland

21:24 , Mike Jones

79 mins: Wembley rises as Harry Kane is taken off by manager Lee Carsley. There’s a standing ovation for the England captain who is replaced with Jarrod Bowen.

GOAL! England 2-0 Finland (Harry Kane, 76’)

21:21 , Mike Jones

76 mins: It’s Harry Kane again!

Noni Madueke has the ball out on the right wing and passes it back to Trent Alexander-Arnold who threads a through ball past the nearest two defenders to send Madueke into space.

Madueke slides it into the box for Harry Kane who, having already picked his spot, hooks the ball into the back of the net!

England 1-0 Finland

21:19 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Declan Rice pushes up the pitch and nicks back the ball. He lays it across to Jack Grealish who feeds a pass into the penalty area for Eberechi Eze.

Eze should shoot first time but the defender scurries across and cuts off the angle. Eze tries to cut in for more space but loses possession.

England 1-0 Finland

21:17 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Alexander-Arnold crosses the ball over to the left side of the box where Eze meets it on the volley and blazes a shot high and wide.

The substitutions have sparked more life into England. Finland may be starting to tire.

England 1-0 Finland

21:14 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Oh my. Madueke’s introduction has been a lively one. His first involvement sees him dance in from the right and take a shot that gets deflected into the arms of Lucas Hradecky.

Then, a couple of minutes later, Eze floats a pass over the top which Madueke nods down towards Kane only to get flagged offside.

England 1-0 Finland

21:10 , Mike Jones

66 mins: The Finnish set piece is a unique one and gets whipped low towards the box. England read it early, recover the ball and send Anthony Gordon sprinting away on the counter attack. He’s brought down and England win a free kick.

That’s Gordon’s last act of the evening as he, and Bukayo Saka, are taken off with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze brought on to replace them.

Madueke is making his England debut tonight.

England 1-0 Finland

21:08 , Mike Jones

63 mins: England need to remain switched on. Finland will start to push out and try to get higher up the pitch as they’re now chasing the game.

The visitors win a free kick inside England’s half and have a good chance to work the ball into the box.

Richard Jolly reporting from Wembley:

21:06 , Mike Jones

“Harry Kane marked his big night in the most fitting fashion.

“The finish - rising as it flew past Lukas Hradecky - felt right: Kane has been a wonderful finisher, a nice guy with a ruthless streak in front of goal.

“Unsurprisingly, his goal brought the loudest cheer of the night. It was also a reward for England for an improved performance in the first 15 minutes after the interval.”

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

England 1-0 Finland

21:04 , Mike Jones

60 mins: That was just what England needed. Harry Kane has been hungry for that goal all evening and will be over the moon to have scored on his 100th appearance.

With the Three Lions now in front Lee Carsely makes a changes and takes Ezri Konsa off, replacing him with Levi Colwill.

GOAL! England 1-0 Finland (Harry Kane, 57’)

21:02 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Finland’s goalkeeper is having a superb night. Anthony Gorodn is slipped into the box by Jack Grealish and has a shot stopped but Lucas Hradecky.

England keep up the pressure but the goalkeeper denies Harry Kane and pushes the ball to the right. England aren’t done though. They recycle it for another go and feed it back to the captain.

Kane touches it into the box then smashes a right-footed effort into the top of the net! Finally England have their goal.

England 0-0 Finland

20:57 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Jack Grealish is brought down just outside the penalty area as England work the ball across the box. it comes out to Declan Rice who shoots and sees the shot pushed wide.

The referee pulls play back for the foul and Harry Kane sets the ball. He fizzes it at goal but Lucas Hradecky leaps to the right and punches it away!

England 0-0 Finland

20:55 , Mike Jones

51 mins: England are currently down to 10-men as Konsa receives some treatment off the pitch. They control it well enough and keep possession with Rice slotting in at the vacant centre-back position.

Konsa comes back on and his injury doesn’t seem too bad.

England 0-0 Finland

20:53 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Jack Grealish brings the ball forward and gives it to Declan Rice who returns the favour once Grealish heads into the area. Tha Man City forward looks to thread a pass through to Harry Kane but Finland intercept and clear.

Ezri Konsa has gone down off the ball and is in need of treatment.

Second half!

20:49 , Mike Jones

England restart the match hoping to get the breakthrough. 45 minutes to play at Wembley.

HT England 0-0 Finland

20:47 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane is now the 10th player to win 100 caps for the England men’s national team, and first to hit that milestone since Wayne Rooney in November 2014.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

HT England 0-0 Finland

20:43 , Mike Jones

Jack Grealish has been named in the starting XI in consecutive England games for the first time since June 2021 (v Austria and Romania).

 (AP)
(AP)

HT England 0-0 Finland

20:39 , Mike Jones

 (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
 (Nick Potts/PA Wire)
(Nick Potts/PA Wire)
 (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Half-time! England 0-0 Finland

20:35 , Mike Jones

45+1 mins: An entertaining 45 minutes at Wembley but no goals and room for improvement from the hosts. Lee Carsley will want more intensity and more threat in the final third.

All to play for in the second half.

England 0-0 Finland

20:33 , Mike Jones

44 mins: England win a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area. Trent Alexander-Arnold stands over the ball and whips it towards the far top corner.

The shot is decent but there’s not enough curl and the ball flies wide of the post.

England 0-0 Finland

20:29 , Mike Jones

41 mins: Close! Trent Alexander-Arnold flicks the ball over the top and plays Bukayo Saka into the box. Saka cuts onto his right foot and looks for the pass but a deflection takes the ball out to Rico Lewis.

Lewis is encouraged to shoot by the crowd but sends it over to Alexander-Arnold instead. He does goe for goal and drills a low effort agonisingly wide of the far post!

England 0-0 Finland

20:28 , Mike Jones

38 mins: England have been building up play nicely this evening. They’re passing it quick and have plenty of speedy willing runners. The tempo isn’t what Lee Carsley would like though, it’s quite slow at times.

England 0-0 Finland

20:22 , Mike Jones

35 mins: Chance!

Alexander-Arnold laces a corner over to Kane who brings it down with a one-touch past to Saka outside the box. Saka darts to the left then rattles off a shot that continues to rise and flies over the crossbar!

England 0-0 Finland

20:20 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Incredible from Artts Hoskonen!

Bukayo Saka makes a dart into the penalty area and is fed the ball. He drills it across the six-yard area were Harry Kane is waiting for a tap-in.

Hoskonen, the Finnish centre-back, turns back towards his own goal and leaps for the ball, stretchering out a leg to turn it wide of the post just before it reaches Kane.

Great defending.

Richard Jolly reporting from Wembley:

20:18 , Mike Jones

“Quite a sedate start at Wembley, certainly for the first 20 minutes. Harry Kane has come into it more in the last few, with a shot saved and a goal disallowed.

“England are looking a bit too open when Finland break, particularly Topi Keskinen, who has had a couple of opportunities. So far, certainly not as good a first half as it was against Ireland.”

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

England 0-0 Finland

20:17 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Saka delivers another corner ball and curls it inot the penalty area. Ezri Konsa raises higher than anyone else and looks for the header but he can’t reach it and the visitors clear it away.

England 0-0 Finland

20:15 , Mike Jones

27 mins: England are trying to hurry things along here. They’re moving the ball swiftly and slickly but are frustrated at the lack of space ahead of them.

It does feel as a matter of time before they score though.

England 0-0 Finland

20:11 , Mike Jones

23 mins: Disallowed!

England get the ball in the back of the net but it won’t count. It’s a simple cross from the right side of the pitch which picks out Harry Kane in the box.

He lunges at the ball and heads it past the goalkeeper but he timed his move slightly too early and gets flagged offside!

England 0-0 Finland

20:09 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Save!

A great move from England sets up Harry Kane with the first proper chance at goal. Angel Gomes is at the heart of it and dictates the play in order to create half a yard for Kane just inside the box.

He shoots and forces Hradecky into a sharp stop!

Finland then break forward and fly up the pitch. Topi Kesinen drives the ball up the pitch, carries it into the box then curls one wide of the far post.

England 0-0 Finland

20:06 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Gordon wins a corner after a cross is deflected behind. Trent Alexander-Arnold jogs over to take it and swings the ball into the middle of the penalty area.

Lucas Hradecky comes out and punches the ball away but Saka recovers it and England look to build another attack.

England 0-0 Finland

20:03 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Quarter of an hour played, no goals yet. England’s biggest threat is coming from the left side and the combination of Jack Grealish and Anthony Gordon.

Adam Stahl, the Finnish right -back, is having a torrid time trying to keep them quiet.

John Stones switches the play over to Bukayo Saka on the right wing. He cuts inside then flicks a pass into the box for Declan Rice making a run from deep.

Rice fizzes one across the six-yard area but no-one can get on the end of it.

England 0-0 Finland

20:00 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Finland are set up in two blocks with their two strikers tasked in holding England’s centre-backs from advancing. It’s a method designed to keep England out and as such there’s not much room for the Three Lions to play the ball quickly.

A rare foray up the pitch from the visitors sees Teemu Pukki sent into the box. He shoots but Rico Lewis tracks back well and forces the effort wide of the post.

England 0-0 Finland

19:55 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Gordon truly is enjoying himself. He dances past Adam Stahl once more and whips a left-footed shot into the box. Saka leaps to try and win the header but it flies over him and bounces through to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold delivers another cross and it falls to Harry Kane who shoots and wins a corner.

England 0-0 Finland

19:52 , Mike Jones

5 mins: Nearly!

Anthony Gordon continues to cause problems. He leaves down the left side of the an dgets up to the penalty area before cutting back onto his right foot.

A cross is hung up to the back post where Harry Kane arrives and nods the ball into the six-yard area. Bukayo Saka is there but gets sandwiched between two centre-backs and Finland scramble the ball away.

England 0-0 Finland

19:50 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Angel Gomes gets his first touches on the ball. It’s his first start as a senior men’s player and he’ll be hoping to impress. Gomes knocks the ball to Declan Rice who squares a pass over to Rico Lewis playing at left-back.

Lewis strides forward and links up with Anthony Gordon. The Newcastle man takes on the closest defender but attempting a shot pass to Harry Kane.

Kane is waiting in the penalty area but it’s too congested and Finland work it clear.

Kick off! England 0-0 Finland

19:48 , Mike Jones

Finland get the ball rolling at Wembley with Glen Kamara kicking it back to goalkeeper Lucas Hradecky.

The ball is then booted over to the left wing but England win possession easily enough and switch the play out to Anthony Gordon on the opposite side of the pitch.

England vs Finland

19:43 , Mike Jones

Before the match kicks off Harry Kane is awarded a special golden cap. He becomes just the 10th man to receive one and it is an honour bestowed on those who have reached 100 appearances for England.

Next the national anthems are sung with Kane belting out the verse with gusto.

Kick off is up next...

England vs Finland

19:41 , Mike Jones

Here come the players.

Harry Kane leads out the Three Lions on what is his 100th appearance for the national team. He’s the leading goalscorer and the man desperate to win an international trophy.

The first aim will be to win this match tonight.

Lee Carsley explains why new roles for Cole Palmer and Phil Foden could give England more control

19:40 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley believes England have to change their mindset to finally control midfield in elite international matches, hinting that he could even be willing to play Phil Foden or Cole Palmer in deeper roles. The interim manager insisted the country is producing players that can operate in that central area, despite long-term debate about the football culture producing proper No 6s.

Carsley was in a more expansive mood as he prepared for his second match as interim manager, against Finland at Wembley on Tuesday, insisting that the players shouldn’t call him “boss”. While he revealed he did speak to predecessor Gareth Southgate before taking the role, he also stated that he has only noticed slight changes in his life – like people telling him to pick certain players when at service stations.

Lee Carsley hints at new roles for Cole Palmer and Phil Foden to give England control

England vs Finland

19:35 , Mike Jones

Bukayo Saka completed six dribbles against Republic of Ireland last time out; his most in a single game for England to date (41st appearance).

Saka’s six completed dribbles accounted for half of his team’s total (6/12), as well as being more than Republic of Ireland’s players combined (5).

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

England vs Finland

19:30 , Mike Jones

Teemu Pukki has been directly involved in 12 goals in 18 appearances in the Nations League (eight goals and four assists), at least three times as many as any other player for Finland in the competition (Robin Lod, 4).

England vs Finland

19:25 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane will make his 100th appearance for England, which would see him become just the tenth player to reach a century of games for the men’s team, and first since Wayne Rooney in November 2014.

Only two players have scored in their 100th game for the Three Lions, with Rooney doing so versus Slovenia (2014) and Sir Bobby Charlton netting versus Northern Ireland in April 1970.

Pre-match thoughts from Lee Carsley

19:21 , Mike Jones

England’s interim manager Lee Carsley spoke to ITV before kick off and touched on the changes he’s made for this evening’s match.

He said: “It’s important we look forward to playing at home. Hopefully we can give the fans something good to see.

“Hopefully Angel Gomes will control the game and dictate the play. I have a lot of confidence in him. I have played Rico Lewis as left-back before and I have a lot of confidence.

“Jack Grealish and Anthony Gordon were excellent the other night. They get you up the pitch.”

England vs Finland

19:20 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley’s first game in charge of England was a 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland, while the last manager to win his first two competitive games was Fabio Capello in 2008.

Indeed, the only managers to win their first two competitive fixtures without conceding a goal are Steve McClaren (2006), Ron Greenwood (1977) and Joe Mercer (1974).

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

England vs Finland

19:15 , Mike Jones

Finland lost 0-3 against Greece in their previous outing, marking the second consecutive competitive match that they’ve lost by 3+ goals (1-4 v Wales previously).

This is the first time they’ve lost back-to-back competitive games by at least three goals since October-November 1989 (1-6 v Germany, 0-3 v Netherlands).

England vs Finland

19:10 , Mike Jones

England lost their final home game under Gareth Southgate, 0-1 in a friendly against Iceland – the Three Lions haven’t lost back-to-back matches on home soil since November 2013 under Roy Hodgson (to Chile and Germany).

England vs Finland

19:05 , Mike Jones

England will host Finland for the first time since a March 2001 World Cup qualifier, winning 2-1 in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first competitive game in charge thanks to goals from Michael Owen and David Beckham.

England vs Finland

19:00 , Mike Jones

England are unbeaten in all eleven of their previous meetings with Finland (W9 D2), only facing Bulgaria more often without ever suffering defeat (P12 W8 D4).

England v Finland

18:55 , Mike Jones

England have played Finland 11 times at the men’s senior level. Their record is seriously impressive with nine wins, two draws and no defeats.

Can they improve that record tonight or will Finland get a first ever victory?

 (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Kane to play for England ‘as long as he can'

18:50 , Mike Jones

“I love playing for England, when I was younger I loved watching England, I was a big England fan,” said Harry Kane ahead of his 100th England appearance.

“I never want to miss a camp, I don’t want to miss a game. I want to represent my county as long as I can. Whilst I’m still at the level I’m at, I know I can help this country to be successful.

“We came extremely close (at Euro 2024) of reaching our ultimate dream. It didn’t happen, but I know I can help this team get back there at the World Cup in two years. Not just help in terms of on the pitch, but my experiences off it as well.”

Harry Kane keen to play for England ‘as long as I can’ ahead of 100th cap

18:45 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane says he wants to play for England “as long as I can” as he prepares for his 100th senior international appearance against Finland on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old is set to become England’s 10th centurion when he leads the team out at Wembley in the Nations League, and believes he can still help the team to a major international title following their Euro 2024 disappointment.

He scored 79 seconds into his England career against Lithuania in March 2015, and 99 caps later the Bayern Munich striker hopes there is more to come as the senior men’s team chase a first tournament success in 58 years.

Harry Kane keen to play for England ‘as long as I can’ ahead of 100th cap

Finland line-up to face England

18:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Finland manager Markku Kanerva is free from injury worries, with former Rangers man Glen Kamara retaining his spot in the forward line, while former Norwich striker Teemu Pukki comes in to a changed attack in place of Benjamin Kallman.

Finland XI: Hradecky; Stahl, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Uronen; Peltola, Schuller, Kamara; Jensen, Keskinen; Pukki.

England make four changes

18:40 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley has made four changes to the England starting XI with three of the back four changing. Out go Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill and in come Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Rico Lewis.

In midfield Kobbie Mainoo has also been replaced with Angel Gomes who makes his first senior start for the Three Lions tonight.

England line-ups ot face Finland

18:36 , Mike Jones

England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Konsa, Lewis; Gomes, Rice, Grealish; Saka, Kane, Gordon

Key talking points as England face Finland

18:30 , Mike Jones

Remembering Sven

The match against Finland is England’s first home game since the death of popular former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The Swede, who led the team at three major international tournaments from 2001 to 2006, died at the age of 76 on August 26 after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Players will wear black armbands, just as they did in Ireland, and there will be a period of applause ahead of kick-off on a night when the deaths of Craig Shakespeare, Kevin Campbell and Tommy Banks will also be acknowledged.

Key talking points as England face Finland

18:25 , Mike Jones

England changes on the cards

While Carsley will not take beating Finland for granted, the interim boss is planning some changes for Tuesday’s match.

The 50-year-old says he wants to “freshen the team up a little bit” and plans two or three alterations as he balances team and player needs. Tino Livramento and Noni Madueke will be hoping to make their debuts having seen Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White win their first caps off the bench on Saturday.

John Stones, a late introduction at the Aviva Stadium, will surely come into the defence.

Key talking points as England face Finland

18:20 , Mike Jones

Carsley’s first Wembley match

Lee Carsley leads England at Wembley for the first time, three days on from starting his interim reign with an encouraging 2-0 win away to the Republic of Ireland, who he represented as a player.

The England Under-21s boss has never coached at the national stadium before and wants to excite fans in their first match there since losing June’s Euro 2024 send-off friendly against Iceland.

“I think it’s important that we’re exciting to watch,” Carsley said on the eve of the game. “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.”

Key talking points as England face Finland

18:15 , Mike Jones

Kane becomes a centurion

Tuesday’s match will see skipper Harry Kane join an elite band of players to have won 100 senior caps for England.

The striker has come a long way since his goalscoring debut against Lithuania in March 2015, going on to break the all-time national scoring record set by Wayne Rooney – the last player to reach a century of appearances a decade ago.

Kane currently sits on 66 goals and you would be a brave man to back against him celebrating reaching this latest milestone by adding to that tally on Tuesday, when the England captain will be presented with a golden cap before kick-off.

Harry Kane interview: ‘Practising finishing on the training pitch is my happy place’

18:10 , Mike Jones

There are moments when Harry Kane is watching younger players conduct a modern finishing session and starts to get irritated.

“The ball comes to you, you take a touch and finish… it’s not really realistic,” he says. “I try and do realistic training where it’s game scenarios, bobbly ball, half a second to swivel and hit, crosses that have been whipped in at fast tempo. It helps separate the good players and the top players.”

Such realistic sessions have also helped lead to what Kane himself calls “unrealistic” targets.

One of those was 100 caps for England, which the 31-year-old will celebrate when he starts Tuesday’s Nations League match against Finland at Wembley. That’s the reason he is sitting down with media at England’s base this week, the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre, but he’s reflecting on a lot more than the route here. That’s because the early doubts about him were much stronger than whether he would get even a handful of caps, let alone become England’s 10th centurion.

Harry Kane interview: ‘Practising finishing on the training pitch is my happy place’

Kane’s top 10 England moments ahead of 100th cap

18:05 , Mike Jones

2. A goal to put England in their first final since ‘66

By the time the semi-finals of Euro 2020 came around, the entirety of the country was gripped by football fever as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions stood on the brink of the tournament’s final, which was to be held at Wembley.

The draw had opened up for England but Denmark would be no pushovers, as England found out when Mikkel Damsgaard gave the Scandinavians the lead in the 30th minute. A Simon Kjaer own goal levelled the contest, but it went all the way to extra-time at a tense Wembley.

England won a late penalty in the 104th minute, and Kane stepped up once more. Kasper Schemiechel was equal to him on this occasion, though the rebound fell nicely to the Englishman and he bundled it in to put his country in their first final since 1966.

1. World Cup golden boot

Though the single goals and individual moments are perhaps the more memorable highlights of Kane’s career, arguably his biggest achievement is the golden boot won at the 2018 World Cup.

The tournament may not have finished with a trophy for England, but the players had restored the feel-good feeling to the England team and there was plenty of hope for the future. To add to that, Kane received the golden boot for his six goals in Russia, and put his name on a list of era-defining players including Ronaldo, Thomas Muller, Gary Lineker and Miroslav Klose.

Kane’s top 10 England moments ahead of 100th cap

18:00 , Mike Jones

4. First World Cup and goals in the opener

Kane entered the 2018 World Cup having cemented his place among the world’s best, though hopes for England to go far in the competition were far from high among fans back home. A fairly tepid display in the opening match against Tunisia did little to boost the confidence, until Kane squeezed in a 91st-minute winner for his second goal of the game to get England off to a good start in Russia.

3. Breaking the record

England had little time to recover from the disappointment of the 2022 World Cup loss, and before long they were in action again as they met Italy – who had beaten them in heartbreaking fashion in the final of Euro 2020 – in the qualifiers for Euro 2024.

Kane stepped up to take a penalty in the 44th minute and lashed it past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give England a 2-0 lead. The match ended 2-1 in a notable win for England on Italian soil, but it will forever be more notable for Kane, as his goal made him England’s top scorer of all time, overtaking Wayne Rooney to sit alone on 54 goals for the Three Lions.

Kane’s top 10 England moments ahead of 100th cap

17:55 , Mike Jones

6. A second successive semi-final

England had done brilliantly at the 2018 World Cup, and at the delayed Euro 2020 provided another chance for the Three Lions to shine, with several matches – including the final – played at Wembley.

They were heavily fancied against Ukraine as the two sides met at the quarter-final stage in July 2021, and the Three Lions delivered on their early promise by putting four goals past their opponents.

Kane beat the offside trap and slid in to score the first goal, adding a header later on as England won 4-0 and the captain put to bed any doubts about his form and current ability.

5. A goal to silence the old enemy

Questions had started to be asked over Kane’s involvement at Euro 2020 as the first three matches came and went without the England captain having scored a goal.

As the Three Lions lined up against Germany in the round of 16, the country held its breath as an even match provided chances for both sides, before Raheem Sterling scored late to give England a narrow lead.

And in the 86th minute, a counter-attack found its way to Jack Grealish on the wing, and the Manchester City man played an inviting ball into the box that Kane obligingly headed past Manuel Neuer to spark bedlam at a half-full Wembley.

Kane’s top 10 England moments ahead of 100th cap

17:50 , Mike Jones

8. 50th England goal

Though he was chasing the record, which stood at 53 goals at this point in June 2022, Kane’s 50th goal for his country remained an important milestone, and he scored it in a 1-1 draw against Germany in Munich.

He became just the second player, after Rooney, to score 50 goals for the Three Lions when he slotted a penalty in the 88th minute.

7. Equalling England’s goalscoring record

Kane entered the 2022 World Cup with his status among the world’s best fully secured, and with Rooney’s record as all-time England top scorer in his sights.

The Three Lions met defending champions France at the quarter-final stage in Qatar, and in a time game in which Les Bleus had taken the lead in the first half, Kane equalised from the spot in the 54th minute after Bukayo Saka was brought down in the box.

This goal marked Kane’s 53rd for his country, and he became England’s joint-top goalscorer of all time. Unfortunately for the captain, it wasn’t to be his night in the end, as he missed from the spot in the 84th minute and England eventually lost 2-1.

Kane’s top 10 England moments ahead of 100th cap

17:45 , Mike Jones

10. Start as you mean to go on

Harry Kane burst onto the scene at Spurs with a run of brilliant goalscoring form, and he was quickly called up to Roy Hodgson’s side for the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

He made his debut against Lithuania in March 2015, replacing Wayne Rooney as a 72nd-minute substitute, and took just 79 seconds to make his mark, scoring a header for the final goal of England’s 4-0 win.

9. Made captain after just two years

As Kane’s impressive form at club level continued, he quickly became a key component of the England team, and before long he found himself captaining the side.

The then-Spurs man wore the armband for the first time in June 2017, against Scotland in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup. England had gone 2-0 down, but the captain completed the comeback with a stoppage-time goal to make it 2-2.

By the time the World Cup came round, Kane had established himself as England captain, and he led the Three Lions in Russia.

Harry Kane gives his reaction to reaching 100 caps for England

17:40 , Mike Jones

“When you look at the list [of players with 100 caps] it is a list of some our greatest players,” said Harry Kane, according by the BBC. “I’m sure when I’m retired I’ll look back on this with immense pride.”

Kane also revealed his next aim will be trying to reach 100 goals. He is already England’s all-time top scorer with 66 goals in 99 appearances in an almost-decade long career that started with his first cap in March 2015.

“I’ve done around 15, 16, 17 caps a year whereas a normal year would be 10,” he added, “The goals were similar. I felt I was on 30 goals and then I went to 50 and then 60.

“It is definitely there and definitely possible. I feel like I am in a good place and these are good targets to try to reach.

“Some people may see them as unrealistic but I would rather go for something unrealistic and not quite make it rather than be comfortable just saying I will be happy with 70 or 80 goals.”

Harry Kane wears golden boots before reaching special milestone

17:35 , Mike Jones

Harry Kane was sporting a pair of golden boots at England training on Monday ahead of making his 100th appearance for the national side.

Only nine players have reached 100 caps for England before Kane, and the Bayern Munich forward is expected to lead his side out in the Nations League match against Finland on Tuesday.

The Football Association are planning a pre-match ceremony which will include a golden cap presentation.

Harry Kane wears golden boots before reaching special milestone

England vs Finland prediction

17:30 , Mike Jones

England will be looking to build on last week’s positive result against Ireland, with plenty of players looking to impress as they look to cement a place in the squad under Carsley.

Finland lost 3-0 to Greece last time out, so the Three Lions should find it straightforward to grab a comfortable win at home and get the interim manager’s tenure off to the perfect start.

England 3-0 Finland.

Latest odds and predicted line-ups

17:25 , Mike Jones

Here’s how we think England and Finland will line-up against each other this evening:

England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Colwill; Mainoo, Rice, Grealish; Saka, Kane, Gordon.

Finland XI: Hradecky; Stahl, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Galvez; Peltola, Schuller; Lod, Kamara, Antman; Kallman.

As for the latest odds, England are the overwhelming favourites to win with Finland as high as 14/1 to spring a surprise on the Three Lions at Wembley. The latests odds:

England 1/10

Draw 11/2

Finland 14/1

Finland early team news

17:20 , Mike Jones

Finland manager Markku Kanerva is also free from injury worries, with former Rangers man Glen Kamara likely to retain his spot in the forward line, and former Norwich striker Teemu Pukki likely to be benched again in favour of Benjamin Kallman.

England early team news

17:15 , Mike Jones

Lee Carsley has no fresh injury concerns to consider after the Ireland match, so all he needs to decide is whether he wants to go with continuity or experiment with some new faces. Harry Kane will start as the captain becomes the 10th man to win 100 caps for England.

Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Saka and Kane are the only concrete names on the teamsheet in this squad, though impressive performances from Jack Grealish and Anthony Gordon should have cemented their places for now.

Maguire and Guehi were solid at the back last week, but John Stones is still England’s best defender, so it remains to be seen whether Carsley will go with Southgate’s preferred pairing of Stones and Maguire, or if he may choose the left-footed Guehi as Stones’ ideal partner.

There is space for Tino Livramento to replace Colwill at left-back, though the Chelsea man was also assured in his performance last week. Carsley may look to experiment with Angel Gomes in midfield over Kobbie Mainoo too.

How can I watch it?

17:10 , Mike Jones

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1. Subscribers will also be able to watch via ITVX online and on the app.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

When is England vs Finland?

17:05 , Mike Jones

England vs Finland kicks off at 7.45pm BST on Tuesday 10 September at Wembley Stadium in London.

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

England vs Finland

17:00 , Mike Jones

England host Finland at Wembley in the second match of their 2025 Nations League campaign, with the Three Lions looking to build on a positive result last time out.

Lee Carsley took charge of his first match in the interim role last week, and his new-look side produced a positive performance as they easily dismantled Ireland in Dublin.

Despite receiving plenty of pre-match attention for his squad announcement and his opinion on singing the national anthem, Carsley quickly put that to bed as his side produced a first-half attacking performance full of intent and innovation, with Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – both on the receiving end of plenty of boos throughout – producing brilliant moments to effectively seal the result within the first 45 minutes.

England will be confident of putting in a similarly dominant performance at home to Iceland, with plenty of intrigue surrounding the team’s performance and potential debuts for Tino Livramento and Noni Madueke.

Good evening!

15:58 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Nations League action as England take on Finland at Wembley.

Fresh off the back of their 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, Lee Carsely’s Three Lions will be hoping to build on a positive display and dominant display over the Irish which saw Jack Grealish and Declan Rice score the only goals of the game.

Captain Harry Kane is set to win his 100th cap for England and will join an exclusive club of centurions which features the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.

For their part, Finland were beaten 3-0 in their opening group fixture against Greece and face a difficult challenge in London this evening.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the night so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.