Highly criticised England star praised as 'completely new player' after masterclass against Finland

One England star received a mountain of praise after producing a fine display against Finland.

Lee Carsley made it two wins out of two as England’s interim manager after a Harry Kane brace secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Finland.

During what was a historic night for Kane, the Bayern Munich striker became only the third player after Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton to score on their 100th appearance for the Three Lions.

Although Kane got the goals, the Player of the Match award was given to Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The full-back was also named Player of the Match against the Republic of Ireland last week and produced yet another stunning display during the Finland match.

Alexander-Arnold got the assist for Kane’s first goal after playing a delicious ball right into the path of the England skipper.

The 25-year-old was then involved in the second goal as his ball allowed Noni Madueke to get in behind the Finland defence to set up Kane.

After the match, Opta Joe wrote on social media: “Trent Alexander-Arnold created the most chances for England versus Finland (5). Since the start of 2019, it’s the third time he’s created 5+ chances in a game for the Three Lions, with no other player doing so on more than one occasion in that time. Unique.”

When Gareth Southgate was in charge, Alexander-Arnold was often utilised as a midfielder and during this summer’s EURO 2024, the Liverpool star was heavily criticised after struggling in the centre of the park.

With Carsley now at the helm, Alexander-Arnold has silenced his critics in his natural position.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the starting XI and is thriving.”

Another tweeted: “Trent Alexander-Arnold is a little magician. Lee Carsley is taking us to the promised land.”

A third fan added: “Is Lee Carsley the man who can get Trent Alexander-Arnold to produce his best Liverpool form for #England? No English player can pass the ball as well as TAA.”

Someone else wrote: “Trent is a completely new player under Lee Carsley, that’s what you get for using him properly.”

A fifth commented: “Lee Carsley playing Trent Alexander Arnold in RB position means he's automatically a better manager than Southgate by the way. One has common sense, the other doesn't have common sense.”

Alexander-Arnold will be back in action this weekend when Liverpool take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.