UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B2 is largely considered the toughest in League B, and Finland have felt the full effects of that as they are rock-bottom of the standings after losing all three matches so far. Their last outing had plenty of promise when they took the lead against the Republic of Ireland in Helsinki, before they threw it away to eventually lose 2-1, extending their winless run to five matches (D1, L4).
UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B2 is largely considered the toughest in League B, and Finland have felt the full effects of that as they are rock-bottom of the standings after losing all three matches so far. Their last outing had plenty of promise when they took the lead against the Republic of Ireland in Helsinki, before they threw it away to eventually lose 2-1, extending their winless run to five matches (D1, L4). Their place in League B is now under serious threat, although the writing has been on the wall since they’ve won just two of their last ten League B outings over the last three seasons (D2, L6). England paying them a visit won’t offer much hope of improving upon that run since they’ve failed to beat the English in each of the last 12 H2Hs (D2, L10), a run which should they extend here would essentially relegate them if Ireland surprisingly beat Greece . The Three Lions will be desperate to get back to winning ways after suffering a shock 2-1 loss to Greece on Thursday - a side who are ranked 48th in the world according to FIFA. It was the first time they had ever lost to the Greeks, who were emotionally charged following the tragic loss of teammate George Baldock, and not since losing to Northern Ireland in September 2005 had England lost to a team so inferior in the world rankings. The defeat not only leaves England three points adrift of Greece in second place but also brought an abrupt end to Lee Carsley's honeymoon period as interim manager, with Carsley admitting afterwards that he’ll hopefully be returning to the England U21 set up after November's internationals. A dismal UNL away record doesn’t offer much hope of getting back on track either, with England winning just one of their last six away games in this competition (D2, L3), falling to score in four. Players to watch: Finland will be hoping Robin Lod can find the back of the net, since they’ve won the last four games in which he’s scored. Jude Bellingham is proving just as influential for England, scoring their opener in four of his six goalscoring outings, including against Greece in midweek. Hot stat: The second half has produced more goals than the first in five of Finland’s last six home matches. Written by 90 Live
