Jack Grealish reveals bet he placed on Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of Liverpool star’s stunning free-kick for England

Jack Grealish has revealed he owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 after the Liverpool star’s superb free-kick against Finland.

Alexander-Arnold scored England’s second goal in their Nations League win against Finland on Sunday, a delicious free-kick as he curled the ball into the top-left corner of the goal.

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It turns out the Liverpool star was given the added incentive of earning extra cash moments before kicking the ball.

“I said as a joke if you score that I’ll give you five hundred pounds, and he just slapped it in the top bin. I owe him,” Grealish told ITV.

Grealish put England 1-0 up at half-time with a low finish after Angel Gomes played him an incisive deep pass.

Declan Rice added a third with six minutes remaining before Arttu Hoskonen grabbed a late consolation for the hosts as England returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory after the upset at home to Greece .

“I think we could have had a few more, especially towards the end when the game opened up,” Grealish added.

“It was difficult at times in the first half. In the end I think we are a bit exposed as players to give away a set piece. We needed a win today, very happy with that.”

Grealish rejected criticism of interim boss Carsley following his Wembley setback.

“I don’t think it’s been difficult. Whatever happens with the England manager, there are people who will always say negative things,” he said.

“I think before people were clamoring for more players called forwards and we do that and it didn’t work for one game and there are some people whining.

“In my honest opinion, I don’t get it. It can happen in games. He’s a top coach, a brilliant guy and I love playing with him.”

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Whether Carsley wants the England job permanently has been the big talking point since the defeat to Greece.

In the build-up to the clash in Finland, Carsley told talkSPORT he has not formally applied for the job and his post-match comments suggest he may not proceed to send one to the Football Association.

“I haven’t really thought much about (staying),” he told ITV.

“I keep saying the same thing. My mission was six games and I’m happy with that. This is a privileged position.

“I’m enjoying it a lot, but I haven’t enjoyed the last two days. I’m not used to losing in an England team, I don’t like losing.

“People will always try to put their chips down. I’m in the middle. My bosses have made it clear to me what they need.

“This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and I’m still on the road to that.”