2024-25 UEFA Nations League: League B – Finland vs England

Finland host England in a huge 2024-25 UEFA Nations League B2 clash.

Victory would move bottom-placed Finland level on points with Republic of Ireland, whilst England will stay second regardless of the result.

An away win for the Three Lions though would put pressure on group leaders, Greece who host Ireland in the late evening kick-off.

 

Team News

Finland have no fresh injury concerns to report following their defeat to Republic of Ireland.

England will be without Bukayo Saka after he suffered a leg injury in a lacklustre defeat to Greece.

Curtis Jones has withdrawn for personal reasons but Jack Grealish (knock) and Harry Kane (leg) are back in contention.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Finland host England at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Sunday 13 October at 7pm ESST (5pm UK Time), live on ITV1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Finland lost their only previous Nations League meeting against England by a 2-0 result in September 2024.
• England are unbeaten in their last seven away matches against Finland in all competitions (W5, D2).
• Finland have scored in five of their last six home games against England.
• Finland have won two of their last three home matches in all competitions (W2, L3).
• Three of England’s five goals in the group were scored after half-time.

 

Prediction

Sat bottom of the group, Finland have nothing to lose and after a resilient effort last month without reward, I do expect them to throw more caution to the wind here but still be difficult to beat.

Lee Carsley on the other hand was foolish to even dare to experiment against Greece when Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke could of replaced Kane, which made their defeat feel like deserved karma for such silliness in a crucial game.

I therefore do expect a return to the usual formation now that Kane is back but this is absolutely must-win, especially with a trip to Greece next up in a month’s time which they need to win on top of this game if want a chance at promotion.

On that note, I do expect the Three Lions to get the win here but their performance need to be much sharper, alongside a return to their traditional 4-2-3-1 line-up.

Prediction: Finland 1-2 England

Result: Finland 1-3 England