England vs Finland: Nations League Preview, Predictions, and Betting Tips
As England prepares to host Finland in their second Nations League fixture on Tuesday, the Three Lions will be looking to build on their successful start to the 2024/25 campaign. Interim manager Lee Carsley’s men produced a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and are favorites to make light work of their group in League B.
Finland, on the other hand, faces a daunting task as they come off a 3-0 defeat to Greece. With little star power and a history of struggling against the three lions ,Finland will need a strong performance to avoid back-to-back losses in their Nations League campaign.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming clash between England and Finland at Wembley Stadium, along with predictions, betting tips, and lineup expectations.
Match Information: England vs Finland
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
- Date: Tuesday, 10 September 2024
- Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
- Referee: Morten Krogh Hansen (DEN)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
England’s Recent Form and Build-Up to the Game
England’s Nations League campaign began positively under interim manager Lee Carsley. The 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland highlighted the team’s transition after Gareth Southgate’s departure. Carsley deployed a dynamic and well-organized side, with former Irish stars Declan Rice and Jack Grealish finding the back of the net.
Carsley has maintained most of Southgate’s squad but has introduced new elements, focusing on youth development and tactical versatility. With the three lions now in League B after relegation from the top tier in 2022, Carsley will be eager to guide the team back to League A with a dominant display against Finland.
Finland’s Struggles and Form
Finland has had a rough start to their Nations League campaign, suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Greece in their opener. Ranked 63rd in the world, Finland has struggled to replicate their Euro 2020 form, having failed to qualify for Euro 2024. Their squad lacks the star power of past Finnish teams, and they’ve never beaten the three lions in nine previous encounters.
This will be the first time the two nations face each other since 2001, when the three lions secured a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier. Finland will need to show a much-improved performance if they want to upset the hosts at Wembley.
England vs Finland: Predicted Lineups
England’s Predicted Lineup:
- GK: Aaron Ramsdale
- RB: Kieran Trippier
- CB: Marc Guehi
- CB: Fikayo Tomori
- LB: Ben Chilwell
- CM: Declan Rice
- CM: Kalvin Phillips
- CAM: Phil Foden
- RW: Bukayo Saka
- LW: Jack Grealish
- ST: Harry Kane (C)
Lee Carsley is likely to stick with a strong lineup, featuring Harry Kane up front with Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka providing attacking support. Jack Grealish, who scored against Ireland, could play a key role once again on the left wing, while Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips will provide stability in midfield.
Finland’s Predicted Lineup:
- GK: Lukas Hradecky
- RB: Jere Uronen
- CB: Robert Ivanov
- CB: Leo Väisänen
- LB: Niko Hämäläinen
- CM: Glen Kamara
- CM: Rasmus Schüller
- RW: Pyry Soiri
- CAM: Teemu Pukki
- LW: Benjamin Källman
- ST: Joel Pohjanpalo
Finland will likely rely on the experience of players like Teemu Pukki and Joel Pohjanpalo to trouble the three lions defense. Glen Kamara will be vital in midfield to disrupt England’s build-up play and provide cover for Finland’s backline.
The #ThreeLions are back home!
Finland
#NationsLeague
️ @wembleystadium
⌚️ 7.45pm (UK)
@ITV
️ https://t.co/A5rAe0Kjen pic.twitter.com/k0uuZ0fCqJ— England (@England) September 10, 2024
Key Players to Watch
England: Harry Kane
Captain Harry Kane remains the three lions most dangerous player in front of goal. The Bayern Munich striker has been in fine form, both domestically and internationally. Kane’s ability to lead the line, bring teammates into play, and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
Finland: Teemu Pukki
Teemu Pukki is Finland’s talisman and key player. The former Norwich City striker’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be critical if Finland is to stand any chance of causing an upset at Wembley. Pukki has a knack for finding space and could pose a threat if Finland can capitalize on the three lions defensive lapses.
England vs Finland: Predictions and Betting Tips
England is the overwhelming favorite heading into this fixture, especially after their solid performance against the Republic of Ireland. Finland’s 3-0 loss to Greece revealed several vulnerabilities, particularly in defense, which England will look to exploit.
Prediction:
- England 3-0 Finland
Jambobet Betting Tips:
- Who Will Win: England to win (1.25 odds)
- Goal/Goal: No (1.60 odds)
- Over 2.5 Goals: Yes (1.75 odds)
Based on current form and Finland’s struggles, it is likely that England will dominate the match, keeping a clean sheet while scoring multiple goals. The “Over 2.5 Goals” market offers value as England’s attacking firepower could overwhelm Finland’s defense.
England’s Path to Promotion in Nations League
England’s goal for the 2024/25 Nations League campaign is clear: secure promotion back to League A. The Three Lions’ relegation in 2022 was a setback, but with a relatively manageable group this time around, they have the opportunity to dominate. The victory over Ireland was a promising start, and with Finland being the next opponent ,the three lions are expected to strengthen their grip on the group.
Interim manager Lee Carsley has embraced a proactive style of play, encouraging his team to control possession and exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense. With players like Kane, Saka, and Grealish in top form, England should have little difficulty in asserting their dominance.
Finland’s Struggle for Form
Finland’s journey in the Nations League looks bleak following their heavy defeat to Greece. Bereft of major stars, Finland’s squad is heavily reliant on veteran players like Teemu Pukki to provide moments of magic. However, against a high-quality side like England, Finland will have to put in an extraordinary performance to avoid another defeat.
With a defensive strategy likely, Finland will look to hit England on the counterattack. However, if they cannot shore up their defense, they could be in for another tough evening at Wembley.
Conclusion: Can England Secure Another Comfortable Win?
As the three lions hosts Finland in their second Nations League fixture, the Three Lions are expected to continue their winning ways. The gap in quality between the two sides is clear, and England’s superior firepower should see them cruise to another comfortable victory. Harry Kane will be looking to add to his goal tally, while Finland must focus on damage control and aim to keep the scoreline respectable.
With a predicted scoreline of 3-0, the three lions is expected to strengthen their position in Group B and take one step closer to returning to League A.
ALSO READ:Lee Carsley Backs Himself for Full-Time England Manager Role After Impressive Debut Win
