England Players' Tournament Performance Review

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford Could he have done better with Enzo Fernández’s equaliser for Argentina? Jude Bellingham certainly thought so. But the man who has made more World Cup finals appearances than any other Englishman made some crucial saves, including a brilliant stop from Nicolas González in the semi-final. 7

Dean Henderson Had to wait until the third-place playoff for some action and ended up conceding four goals despite a strong performance. Will hope to challenge Pickford over next two years. 7

Defenders

Djed Spence Emerged as an unlikely cult hero thanks to some wholehearted performances. He will always be remembered for snubbing Thomas Partey’s handshake and his tackle on Giuliano Simeone against Argentina. 8

Marc Guéhi Somehow wasn’t Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice initially, although that was rectified after the Croatia game. England’s most consistent and reliable defender – the way he handled Erling Haaland was a masterclass. 8

John Stones Arrived painfully short of match fitness and it showed in the opening game against Croatia. Much improved when called upon in the quarter- and semi-finals. A huge asset when he plays. 7

Ezri Konsa A few shaky moments during the group stage but recovered well and filled in capably at right-back when needed. At 28, young enough to be there again in four years. 7

Dan Burn Showed his limitations against Argentina. But he will always have those two epic appearances off the bench against Mexico and Norway. No one will forget the clearing headers so powerful they ended up in the opposition’s half. 7

Nico O’Reilly Had his strongest game against Norway in the quarter-final when he was at his marauding best. Will be disappointed not to have scored and to have been on the pitch as a substitute when Argentina instigated their semi-final comeback. 6

Reece James Such a good player when fit, which is sadly far too rare. Missed most of the tournament owing to a hamstring injury and England suffered when he went off against Argentina. 6

Trevoh Chalobah The Chelsea player was a surprise choice to replace Tino Livramento, who pulled out injured at the last minute. Managed only six minutes against France in the end. 6

Jarell Quansah Brought in to solve the right-back conundrum against Panama, he was doing well until the rush of blood against Mexico and subsequent red card. Recalled for the France game and had to be replaced. 5

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham Showed his supreme quality when it mattered and could not be more committed to his country’s cause, even if his rocky relationship with Tuchel had to be carefully managed. 9

Elliot Anderson Didn’t allow himself to be distracted by his £116m move to Manchester City and grew as the tournament progressed. Ran his heart out against Norway and Argentina. 8

Morgan Rogers Made the most of his limited minutes in unfamiliar roles. Showed what a good player he is by playing as one of the two central midfielders against Norway before setting up Anthony Gordon from the right wing against Argentina. 8

Declan Rice Clearly affected by the hamstring and back problems that marred the second half of his season with Arsenal, even if his effort – as ever – could not be faulted. Needs a long rest to recharge his batteries but may not get one. 6

Eberechi Eze Could not have the impact he would have wished for in four substitute appearances before starting against France. Did a decent job in central midfield against Panama but was largely on the periphery when given a chance on the left in the quarter-final. 6

Jordan Henderson Spent 12 minutes on the pitch, in a historic appearance against Panama when he became the first England men’s player to appear at seven major international tournaments. But managed to get booked against Mexico as a substitute and break an arm celebrating the win. 5

Forwards

Bukayo Saka Three goals and three assists despite playing through the pain of an achilles injury was a courageous effort from Arsenal’s talisman. It was a huge surprise not to see him come off the bench against Argentina and he showed what England were missing against France. 8

Anthony Gordon A quiet start having been preferred to Rashford before responding magnificently to being dropped. Three assists and a goal against Argentina showed why Barcelona were so keen to sign him. 8

Harry Kane Sadly his tournament will be remembered for a largely anonymous display against Argentina rather than rescuing England against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Will he ever have a better chance to win the World Cup? 8

Marcus Rashford Made a good start to his third World Cup by coming off the bench to score against Croatia, and started against Panama. But wasn’t seen again until England were chasing the game against Argentina in injury time. 6

Ivan Toney Sat on the bench until Lautaro Martínez’s goal in added time of the semi-final. Could not make an impact in the three minutes he was given but did well against France. 6

Ollie Watkins Largely a frustrated spectator despite his heroics in the Euro 2024 semi-final and arriving here in a rich vein of form. A half on the left flank against France and a brief appearance against Panama were scant reward. 6

Noni Madueke Some promising moments but lacked end product in his four starts and had slipped down the pecking order by the semi-final. Needs to be much more clinical at this level. 5