ENGLAND 'DESERVE' TOP COACH

HELSINKI - Lee Carsley admitted that England deserve a “world-class coach” with a winning habit after their 3-1 victory against Finland on Oct 13 left the interim manager's future unresolved.

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Coming just days after the Three Lions' shock 2-1 defeat by Greece at Wembley, Carsley could not afford another setback in the Nations League trip to Helsinki.

He was heavily criticised for playing five attacking midfielders and no recognised striker against the Greeks and he selected a more conventional line-up this time.

England were still far from impressive for long periods, but they mustered enough quality to grind out a third win in four games since Carsley replaced Gareth Southgate. Jack Grealish opened the scoring in the first half and Trent Alexander-Arnold's superb free kick doubled the lead after the interval before Declan Rice's tap-in wrapped up the points.

Arttu Hoskonen netted a late consolation for the hosts.

It was another day of mixed messages on and off the pitch for England as the Football Association takes its time hiring a permanent successor to Southgate, who quit after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.

Talks with former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel are reportedly under way.