ENGLAND 2, FINLAND 0
Harry Kane delivered on a memorable 100th appearance for England with two stunning strikes in their Nations League victory against Finland.
It was a night which belonged to captain Kane whose goals helped England maintain their 100 per cent record in League B, Group 2.
Kane had received a golden cap before kick-off from fellow centurions Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard as he became only the 10th player to reach this milestone.
England’s record goalscorer’s brace took his tally to 68 for England and, aged 31, who would bet on him reaching 100 which is the goal he has just set himself.
“There are strikers in the world who have scored more than me so there are targets to achieve and I want to push the boundaries,” said Kane.
“I have had some good nights for England, and this was right up there with them. They are also a couple of my favourite goals.”
Kane added: “It was a big night for me, really proud and special to have my family here, though they are a bit young to understand what was going on.
Embed from Getty Images“They will be special memories when older to see themselves on the pitch.”
Looking back on the game, Kane added he had enough chances to score a hat-trick.
He said: “I want to score goals and help the team. Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong. I always back myself to score goals and I am excited for the future.
“Trent [Alexander-Arnold] backed up with another great performance. We always looked like the team who would break the deadlock. We spoke about being ruthless but in these games, you have to keep knocking on the door and you will get your reward.
“The manager has come in with a great energy, talks a lot of about freedom and attacking and hurting the teams. Of course there is a room for improvement, but a great start for him.”
The win also enhanced interim manager Lee Carsley’s prospects of landing the job full-time.
Carsley made it two wins out of two since succeeding Gareth Southgate as he became only fourth England manager to win his first two competitive games without conceding a goal following on from Steve McClaren (2006), Ron Greenwood (1977) and Joe Mercer (1974).
The wins were achieved without the services of players such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins for the two games which made them even more creditable.
Carsley said: “Harry 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 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.”
Angel Gomes was handed his first senior start for Englandas Kane made his 100th appearance for the Three Lions.
Lille midfielder Gomes came on as a substitute in the 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
He was one of four changes from that game by interim boss Carsley with Manchester City full-back Lewis making his second start for England, lining up at left-back while John Stones and Ezri Konsa also came into the defence.
Former Norwich striker Teemu Pukki, who now plays for MLS side Minnesota United, started for Finland, who are ranked 63 in the world to England’s fourth, as did ex-Rangers and Leeds midfielder Glen Kamara and Aberdeen’s Topi Keskinen.
Before kick-off Eriksson was remembered and tributes also made to honour Craig Shakespeare, Kevin Campbell and ex international Tommy Banks who passed away in June at the age of 94.
England showed plenty of early attacking intent without seriously troubling Bayer Leverkusen keeper Lukas Hradecky.
The match exploded to life after 20 minutes with big chances for both sides in rapid succession.
Kane brought a decent save from Hradecky and then had a header disallowed for a marginal offside while Bukayo Saka’s deflected effort was clawed to safety by the keeper as he lay on the ground.
Finland also had a great opening on the counter as Keskinen bent an effort narrowly wide of the upright with keeper Jordan Pickford beaten.
After a lull, England had another two great opportunities just before half time when a low drive from Alexander-Arnold flashed past the upright and he then saw a free kick fly just wide.
England, who enjoyed 77 per cent possession in the opening half, continued to dominate after the restart.
Declan Rice, Kane, with a venomous free kick, and Anthony Gordon had efforts well saved by Hradecky.
The keeper was finally beaten in the 57th minute as the relentless pressure eventually paid off.
Alexander-Arnold provided the assist but Kane had plenty of work to do as he created an opening from nothing before firing high into the roof of the net from 15 yards.
Lewis went close to doubling the lead when his effort looked on target but drifted wide at the last minute.
England were forced to make a change just after the hour when Konsa, who had picked up a knock, was replaced by Levi Colwill.
That was soon followed by a further two as Saka and Gordon were replaced by Chelsea’s Noni Madueka, for his England debut, and Eberechi Eze.
Madueka made an instant impact as he provided the assist for Kane’s second goal in the 76th minute with a squared pass which the striker swept home as only he can do, a sublime finish.
Kane and John Stones made way with 11 minutes left for Marc Guehi and Jarrod Bowen.
England’s dominance was underlined by the match stats – 78.5 per cent possession and 22 goals attempts to Finland’s two. If there was any criticism, they ought to have won by more given how much they saw of the ball.