Jack Grealish has admitted that he offered Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 if he scored England’s free-kick to put them 2-0 up against Finland on Sunday evening.

The Three Lions looked a world away from the side that fell to a 2-1 defeat to Greece when they travelled to Helsinki for their UEFA Nations League clash with Finland. Manchester City star Grealish delivered the first goal of the game, putting England ahead in the 18th minute.

Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold was the next to add his name to the scoresheet, bending a strong free-kick over the Finland wall and past Lukas Hradecky between the sticks. His efforts doubled England’s lead, before a final strike from Declan Rice in the closing moments of the game secured a 3-1 win for the visitors.

Speaking after the game, Grealish admitted that he and Alexander-Arnold had spoken before the free-kick.

“I joked to Trent before the free-kick ‘score this I will give you 500 quid’ and he slapped it in top bins,” the City winger told ITV Sport.

He also took the time to reflect on his own goal, sharing praise for manager Lee Carsley while doing so.

“We could have had a few more [goals] but it was difficult at times,” he continued. “The goal came from the manager letting us play with that freedom. I play with Angel Gomes in training and I know what a top player he is. The celebration was for my little daughter.

“Whatever happens with the England manager, people will always say negative stuff. Before, people were crying out for all attacking players to play and it didn’t work. I don’t get it, it can happen in games. I love coming here, he’s a top, top manager and I love playing for him.”

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