Grealish praises Carsley for attacking freedom in Finland win

England forward Jack Grealish has praised interim head coach Lee Carsley for allowing the team to play with freedom in the Nations League win against Finland.

The Three Lions bounced back from a defeat to Greece in midweek, with the Manchester City man opening the scoring.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then netted a free-kick, before Declan Rice bagged a third for England.

It was a positive night in Scandinavia that still keeps England in contention for a spot back in League A of the competition following their relegation.

And Grealish was full of praise for the man in the dugout.

Speaking to ITV, he said: “We could have had a few more but it was difficult at times.

“If you score this, I’ll give you 500 quid” 🤣

Jack Grealish learned the hard way not to bet against Trent 🤣 pic.twitter.com/YkIPztwc0R

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 13, 2024

“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.

“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.”

Grealish was also praised by Rice, who added: “Do you know how good Jack is? He has something very special.

“He looks really confident and I am buzzing for him. When he is playing well and happy, he is a massive boost for England.

“Since the manager has come in, he has been so honest, so refreshing.

“He has a way of playing and he really wants us to stick with that.”