England earned a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Finland in the UEFA Nations League — a game where John Stones, Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish all started.
The Manchester City trident were handed the opportunity to display their talents at the Wembley Stadium — as Harry Kane scored a brace to aptly commemorate his 100th cap in a Three Lions shirt.
Moreover, the City trio were also given the chance to show Lee Carsley why they should firmly be in his plans until he remains England’s interim boss.
Carsley started Lewis at left-back, while pairing Stones alongside Ezri Konsa in a new-look centre-back partnership as Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed at right-back.
As for Grealish, he was tasked to play behind Kane once again in his second successive start under the 50-year-old.
Lee Carsley will be satisfied that his England side won their second game in a row under his helm — after their 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
Keane hails ‘excellent’ Man City star after England beat Finland
While Stones and Grealish were playing in positions they often have during their careers, the same cannot be said for Lewis.
While the £25,000-a-week man has played as a left-back for Manchester City in the past, he has only done so on a few instances; perhaps due to the absence of a natural left-back in England’s squad for the two games.
However, the Bury-born defender looked at ease in the role — dovetailing between the responsibilities of a wide left-back and drifting into midfield.
The Englishman was often spotted taking up advanced areas of the pitch during the clash as well — akin to an attacking midfielder.
The 19-year-old played the entirety of the game in North London.
Roy Keane was quizzed about his verdict on Lewis’ second start in an England shirt against Finland and he was full of praise for the youngster.
Keane said on ITV Sport: “Excellent, again. Took the ball in his stride and that’s the sign of a good player. Very efficient and I’ve said, when I’ve seen him for City, he certainly doesn’t weaken that team and will be the same for England.”
Gabby Agbonlahor described Lewis as “outstanding” and the Englishman exemplified why he is getting the praise he has been in recent weeks.
Rico Lewis impressed in latest England outing
The highly-rated technician made yet another strong case for why he should be in serious consideration to be a starter for England against Finland.
The Manchester City academy gradate was typically tidy in possession, combined excellently with his international teammates in tight areas and when tasked to defend, he was extremely reliable.
Lewis put in yet another accomplished display in an England shirt after his Man of the Match showing in his side’s 1-1 draw against North Macedonia.
The two-time Premier League winner also took up several intelligent positions on the pitch and justified Lee Carsley’s decision to play him out of position.
Lewis’ mature performance was another indicator of the fact that whether it be for club or for country currently, he is bang in form.
