Lee Carsley's England will be hoping to continue their winning start to the UEFA Nations League when they host Finland at Wembley on Tuesday evening, and a young Manchester City star could be crucial to their success. The Three Lions, fresh off a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their opener, are expected to field a youthful and dynamic side against Finland, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Greece in their first outing.
One of the most intriguing talking points ahead of the game is the potential inclusion of 19-year-old full-back Rico Lewis in the starting lineup. Having only made his senior international debut in the win over Ireland, Lewis could be handed a second cap against Finland, a chance to make a significant impression on the international stage.
Lewis is known for his attacking prowess and his ability to get forward, and his presence in the England side could add a new dimension to their attack. The City youngster is seen as a potential long-term solution at right-back for the Three Lions, and this game could be a chance for him to prove his worth.
Carsley has already indicated that he will make changes to the team that played against Ireland, as he looks to manage player fatigue and give some of his squad members valuable game time.
"We have to be realistic that the players that didn’t have a lot of time off in the summer, came back having maybe not played as many minutes, to expect them just to go into, especially, a game in Dublin at the tempo that we thought it would be and the physicality," Carsley said.
"I didn’t want to put them in a position where if they didn’t do well, you could almost see what they didn’t do well. It just gave us a chance to do a bit more work with them during the week and then put them in a position… and there’s maybe four or five that needed that extra work and that extra day’s training which will hopefully help them."
Other Potential Changes
In addition to Lewis, Carsley is also expected to make changes to his defence. John Stones and Ezri Konsa are in line to start against Finland, replacing Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi, who both started the game against Ireland.
This potential change could signify a shift in Carsley's tactical approach, with Stones' composure and Konsa's physicality potentially providing a more solid foundation for the backline.
Finland's Challenges
Finland, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing opening defeat to Greece. While they possess a number of experienced players, they face a tough challenge against a young, hungry England side.
The Finnish team will be looking to Teemu Pukki, their experienced forward, to lead the line and provide a goal threat. Pukki is no stranger to English football, having enjoyed a successful spell with Norwich City, and he will be hoping to cause England problems.
However, Finland's task will be made even tougher by the fact that they will be without several key players, including the experienced defender Jere Uronen and the attacking midfielder Robin Lod.
A Battle of Generations?
The clash between England and Finland promises to be an intriguing one. England's youthful exuberance and attacking intent will be put to the test against Finland's experience and resilience.
The potential inclusion of Lewis in the starting lineup adds an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. The young City defender has a chance to make a statement on the international stage, while England will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the Nations League campaign.
How The Game Will Play Out
England's attacking prowess is likely to be on full display, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden looking to create chances for Harry Kane, who will be celebrating his 100th cap for the Three Lions.
Finland will be hoping to frustrate England, and they will be looking to utilize their experience to keep the game tight. However, England's attacking talent is likely to prove too much for Finland to handle.
The game will be a battle of generations, with England's young players hoping to prove their worth against a more experienced Finnish side.
What They Said About The Game
"We should expect to put on an exciting high-tempo performance ... attacking ... hopefully give the fans a good game to see," said Carsley ahead of the game.
A Game to Watch
With a potential star in the making in Lewis, and the return of England's attack-minded squad, the game between England and Finland promises to be a fascinating one. It's a game that could provide some exciting football and a glimpse into the future of English football.
The Last Time England Met Finland
The last time England met Finland was in a World Cup qualifier back in 2001. England won 2-1, with goals from Michael Owen and David Beckham. It was Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first competitive game in charge. This match at Wembley will see a tribute paid to Eriksson, who passed away earlier this year.
More Than Just a Game
This game is more than just a football match. It's a chance for England to showcase their exciting young talent, and for Lewis to make his mark on the international stage. It's also a chance to pay tribute to a legend of the game, Sven-Goran Eriksson.
What Next for England
After the game against Finland, England will turn their attention to the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, where they will be looking to secure their place in the tournament.
The future looks bright for England, with a talented crop of young players coming through the ranks. Lewis is just one of many young players who are hoping to make their mark on the international stage.
The upcoming games will be a crucial test for England, as they look to build towards the Euro 2024 tournament and beyond.
