England player ratings: Anthony Gordon has proved his worth but has Jude Bellingham done enough to guarantee a World Cup start? | football news

England played their last World Cup warm-up match. Then comes the real thing. So, who nailed their spot? Who played in their own debate? And who ruined Thomas Tuchel’s chances of starting selection against Croatia?

In changing conditions which meant the game was delayed by an hour, England certainly improved. A 3-0 winWith goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and later Ollie Watkins, perhaps a conservative reflection of their dominance.

What does this mean for their tournament opener on June 17?

Jordan Pickford: 6

The only way Pickford could be out of this England squad is if he gets injured. He is arguably England’s most important player behind Harry Kane. He has been the first-choice goalkeeper since his first World Cup appearance under Gareth Southgate in 2018 and is now part of the leadership team. It was a spectator’s job, but still a test of concentration.

Reece James: 6

Played more of a conventional right-back role and looked classy. His distribution was clever and varied. He combined Noni Maduke from deep, through the line, with a back pass. There is little doubt about his technical ability, only his ability to stay fit, but on the evidence here, he is in decent shape and should be assured of a starting place against Croatia.

Ezri Konsa: 7

Completed 100 percent of his passes in the first half, making three final thirds. It is hard to imagine him starting over Mark Guihy but he has earned the trust of Tuchel, who favors his reliability. He has started 34 of Aston Villa’s 38 Premier League games this season, which alone makes him a reliable option should England need to rotate at any point. More dangerous than set-pieces.

John Stones: 7

Minutes are needed, and has proven he can play as a left-sided centre-back. He doesn’t do it often for Man City but it is known. His composure is a huge asset, a defender who will come out of the backline and carry the ball with confidence. Thomas Tuchel likes his intelligence, is an accurate ball-player, and is a reassuring presence in a unit with limited major tournament experience.

Nico O’Reilly: 7

O’Reilly is elite. no doubt He brought the legs, combined well with Anthony Gordon. If he can transfer his club form to his England showing, he will be a real asset in testing situations this summer. He is also able to rotate tactically, getting up the pitch to help with midfield overloads but knows when to be disciplined. Nailed to start at left-back.

Elliott Anderson: 8

A monster of possession recovery, then uses the ball simply but effectively. No wonder Man City are chasing him for a fee that will undoubtedly exceed £100m. This baby has a bright future. His partnership with Raees is growing through the game. and he always Available for grabs, something his peers will surely love.

Declan Rice: 8

If Rice manages injury issues and fatigue, it barely shows. Its intensity level knows no bounds. Forget soaring temperatures and high humidity, this guy will run through the desert for England. His seventh international goal is another good sign for Tuchel, tracking so hard late into the box. He created the most chances of any player (three).

Noni Maduke: 6

Fancy footwork abounds, but where does it end? Madueke’s end product continues to disappoint him. He hit the post in the first half when a goal looked easy after a hard beat past the goalkeeper. Apparently, if Bukayo Saka is fit, Maduke sits on the bench. He is not sure that he has done enough to sway public opinion otherwise, although his directness is simple.

Jude Bellingham: 7

Tuchel tasked his team to find a better rhythm. More liquidity. Bellingham has to come forward for that to happen. He was quiet in a first half where England benefited from wide, but rarely in central areas. The second period got even better when he switched to a false nine and was able to exploit the space. Tuchel must develop a formula that puts him at the center of things rather than acting as a loner. His star quality means he probably starts against Croatia.

Anthony Gordon: 9

speed A performance full of energy and effort, Rice provided the assist for the opener before linking up well with Kane and scoring himself from the penalty spot. Marcus Rashford has been clamored to be England’s starting left winger – with good reason – but Gordon may have won his own shirt. His courage in 1v1 could help England to be more aggressive. He later spoke about “loving the pressure” that comes with playing in big matches.

Harry Kane: 7

quarterback. Despite not scoring, he is England’s most influential player. The way he brings others into the game is invaluable. His support cast will have to find a way to continue serving him, especially given his career-best scoring form in the run-up to this tournament. The England captain has finally taken his place at the top of the game; Hopefully he gets a chance to show it this summer.

Sub

God bless you The players introduced in the second half were the standouts among the teams. Arsenal forward Gordon won the penalty and played a delicious cutting pass. Morgan Rogers to finish after that. A shame Rogers was intent on rivaling Madueke’s miss from the first half.

of was lively, and DZ Spence He also did his work diligently. Rashford Earlier showed ability to maneuver in tight spaces inside the box Ollie Watkins His impeccable timing proved – an accurate hunter.

What next?

World Cup officially started! Mexico v South Africa Thursday 11 June tournament opener; Kick-off is 8pm UK time.

England Started the World Cup campaign against CroatiaTheir first Group L clash will begin on Wednesday June 17 in Arlington, Texas at 9pm.