Jack Grealish reveals £500 bet with England team-mate made during Finland victory

Jack Grealish has revealed that he lost a £500 bet with Trent Alexander-Arnold during England’s win over Finland. It was a comfortable night for the Three Lions, who successfully banished the demons of their surprise defeat to Greece in midweek.

Grealish opened the scoring for England after just 18 minutes before the visitors doubled their lead in the second half. Alexander-Arnold, who was playing at left-back, found the top corner with a sumptous free-kick from range.

England added a third through Declan Rice with six minutes remaining before Finland grabbed a late consolation to deny Lee Carsley’s side a clean sheet.

Speaking to ITV Sport after the match, Grealish revealed that he made an expensive bet with Alexander-Arnold just moments before the Liverpool defender stepped up to score his free-kick.

“I said to him, obviously for a joke, I said: ‘If you score, I’ll give you £500’. And then he just slapped it in the top bins,” explained Grealish. “So I owe him now.”

England were fully deserving of all three points but looked shaky at times, with Finland missing a series of chances to reduce the deficit. The early goal from Grealish gave the visitors a platform to build on and their superior quality shone through over the 90 minutes.

“We could have had a few more but it was difficult at times,” added Grealish. “The [first] 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.”

Grealish also reserved special praise for Carsley, who is yet to confirm whether or not he wants the England job permanently. Over the last few days, reports have suggested that he is not looking to manage the Three Lions beyond the end of his interim spell.

“Whatever happens with the England manager, people will always say negative stuff,” said Grealish when asked if he has enjoyed playing under Carsley following the departure of Gareth Southgate.

“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 is] a top, top manager and I love playing for him.”