England face Finland on Sunday evening looking to get their UEFA Nations League campaign back on track.
Lee Carlsey’s men suffered a shock setback after losing at home to Greece on Thursday but have an immediate opportunity to respond in Helsinki.
England will start as strong favourites against a Finland team ranked 64th in the world and who have not kept a clean sheet in eight games. The hosts are without a point after three games in the group and lost 2-0 at Wembley last month.
England sit the second, three points behind leaders Greece after their shock setback on Thursday.
The group winners earn automatic promotion into the top tier of the Nations League with the runners-up consigned to a play-off.
England XI vs Finland – Predicted lineup and team news
England team news
England will be without Bukayo Saka for the trip to Finland after the Arsenal winger left the camp.
Saka sustained a leg injury in the defeat to Greece and has returned to his club side for assessment on the issue. Noni Madueke was brought on as Saka’s replacement, though Cole Palmer or Phil Foden could be moved to the right flank to replace the 23-year-old.
The main talking point from Carsley’s selection against Greece was the decision to opt for a side without a recognised forward. Jude Bellingham started in an advanced role with Foden, Palmer, Saka and Anthony Gordon all selected in an experimental lineup.
England are expected to return to the tried and tested to face Finland with Harry Kane in line to return. The 31-year-old was not included in the squad to face Greece after picking up a knock in Bayern Munich’s draw with Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.
Kane is available for the game, while Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke – the latter recalled to the squad after a seven-year absence – offer alternatives.
Every game is key 🔑
🗣 @MarcGuehi13 pic.twitter.com/Nbb896BguM
— England (@England) October 12, 2024
In midfield, Carsley could look to provide Declan Rice with additional support after England were exposed defensively against Greece.
Conor Gallagher has had an impressive start to his career with Atletico Madrid, while Angel Gomes could be handed another chance to impress.
Gomes was a standout on his full debut when England hosted Finland last month and is a player Carsley knows well from the u-21 set-up.
Curtis Jones will not make his England debut, however, after withdrawing from the squad due to a personal matter.
England predicted lineup
England predicted XI: Jordan Pickford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill; Declan Rice, Angel Gomes, Jude Bellingham; Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane.
When is Finland vs England?
Finland host England at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Sunday 13th October. Kick-off is 17:00 BST.
What TV channel is Finland vs England?
Finland v England will be available to watch on ITV1 and STV for UK viewers.
