Jack Grealish has revealed he lost a £500 bet to Trent Alexander-Arnold after the full-back scored an impressive free-kick in England’s 3-1 win over Finland.
The Three Lions were in need of a strong result after their disappointing defeat to Greece on Thursday.
Lee Carsley once again picked a bold team and made six changes from the side that lost to Greece.
Grealish has been one of the standout players under Carsley having started in three of the interim manager’s four games in charge of England.
Jack Grealish scored England’s opener against Finland
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And the Manchester City was back on the scoresheet once again with a delicate finish in the first half to get England up and running in the match.
England had to wait a while for the second, but it was worth the wait as Alexander-Arnold curled an inch-perfect free-kick into the top corner.
Declan Rice added a third late on before Finland scored a consolation goal, but it was job done for Carsley on the night.
Grealish was in high spirits after the match and praised Carsley for being brave in his style of play.
The attacker also revealed a cheeky bet he made with Alexander-Arnold just seconds before the Liverpool star scored his free-kick.
“We could have had a few more but it was difficult at times,” he told ITV.
“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.
“I joked to Trent [Alexander-Arnold] before the free-kick ‘score this I will give you 500 quid’ and he slapped it in top bin.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a brilliant free-kick to double England’s lead
PA
“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, a top, top manager and I love playing for him.”
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Lee Carsley will be in charge of England’s next two games
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Carsley will be in charge of England’s next two matches in November when they face Ireland and Greece.
But no final decision has been made on whether the FA will stick with Carsley as the permanent manager or look elsewhere.
The 2026 World Cup draw takes place in December and a permanent manager will need to be in place before then.
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