Football News

The ratings of the players as the Three Lions are the highest in Group C

Well, it was better, but not much. Five points were all England needed to top Group C at Euro 2024. Job done, right? Maybe.

Gareth Southgate's men entered Germany as one of the favorites for the tournament but have so far failed to live up to their billing, having scored just two goals in their three games this summer.

The performances are overworked, lack energy, lack creativity and lack purpose.

This was an opportunity, after the waves of criticism following the Denmark game, for this crop of players to make a point, to silence the naysayers. They didn't, but it was slowly getting better.

How Group C Finished

The team

Played

W

D

L

GD

PTS

1. England (Q)

3

1

2

0

1

5

2. Denmark (Q)

3

0

3

0

0

3

3. Slovenia (Q)

3

0

3

0

0

3

4. In Serbia

3

0

2

1

-1

2

Harry Kane looked lively in the first half, there was more intent in attacking play, more chances were created. However, that golden touch in front of the goal was gone again.

So, who has the star and who needs to do better? Here are our player ratings…

GK – Jordan Pickford – 6

I was about to do it. Slovenia was content with a draw knowing that a point would secure their place in the last 16.

RB – Kyle Walker – 5

His worst performance of the tournament so far. He lacked anything going forward and his passing was blocked, especially in the first half.

CB – John Stones – 6

England did not have much to protect the Manchester City star but got the full points.

John-Stones-Bellingham-England-Euro-2024

CB – Marc Guehi – 6

Another very skilful performance from the Palace defender who has made the left-back his own in Harry Maguire's absence.

LB – Kieran Trippier – 6

Good defensively but also struggled to provide scope and purpose in attack. England continue to be banned without Luke Shaw.

CM – Conor Gallagher – 4

He was caught after 45 minutes in a bad manager position. Southgate saw him as the solution to their back problems, throwing in Trent Alexander-Arnold for the Chelsea star to start but he didn't offer anything good.

Conor-Gallagher-England-Euro-2024

CM – Declan Rice – 6

Better than drawing with Denmark. He had more purpose in the final third but struggled in the system.

RW – Bukayo Saka – 6

The Arsenal striker played with purpose and had the ball in the back of the net only for the offside flag to be raised. One of England's most feared players but he is hampered, like many, by system and cohesion.

CAM – Jude Bellingham – 5

Indeed, the player who promised a lot before the tournament started. It is rare for him to get on the ball and fail to make as many constructive runs in the box as he has been doing all season in Madrid.

LW – Phil Foden – 7

England's best performer of the night. He hugged the left side often in the first half and had a big impact in the middle of the pack. He could have been helpful if he had kept to himself.

ST – Harry Kane – 5

He led the media with great success in the first trade of the game but in the end his influence was very little again. I didn't have any chances to score goals and you will need to improve in the knockout stages.

England-Kane-Euro-2024

Changed:

Kobbie Mainoo – 7

It's great when it's introduced during the break. He moved around the field well and made England stand out. It should start with the last 16.

Cole Palmer – 7

A really healthy cameo. He was unpredictable with his runs and could have scored at the end if given a chance on the edge of the area.

Cole-Palmer-England-Euro-2024-Saka

Trent Alexander Arnold – N/A

He didn't have much when he came on but his brilliance at right back was lacking. He wonders if Southgate will be tempted to give Walker a chance at any point.

Anthony Gordon – N/A

It was introduced very late in the game. He had two promising moments for the future, combining the ball in midfield to find Palmer's late chance. England's three underclassmen – alongside Trent – should get more minutes now.

Related

How England can solve their Harry Kane conundrum

Harry Kane has underperformed at Euro 2024 so far.


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