England played the first of two friendlies in preparation for the World Cup on Saturday night, beating New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa, Florida.
Thomas Tuchel put out two separate teams for the game – each playing 45 minutes on a poor pitch – and the match proved to be a decent run out for 22 of the players currently in the England camp.
But who was the Three Lions’ best player? Who caused reason for worry? And who ‘looked isolated’?
England will take on Costa Rica on Wednesday in their second and final warm-up game for the competition, before taking on Croatia in their curtain-raiser a week later.
In these two games, fringe players will have been hoping to convince Tuchel they can play a key part in their side’s journey, with the likely starters keen to nail down their places.
Daily Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE was at the Raymond James Stadium to rate the players.
England played their first of two friendly games prior to the World Cup on Saturday evening
Harry Kane scored the only goal as two separate Three Lions sides played a half each
First-half
Jordan Pickford – 6
Made the one big save asked of him when ball bounced wickedly in goalmouth. Kicking can be better though, in terms of accuracy and ability to penetrate.
Jarrell Quansah – 5
An early scare when New Zealand got in behind and, like Spence on opposite flank, you’d worry about them against top wingers.
Marc Guehi – 6
Loose in possession once early on and led to chance. Later did well to deny Wood a run on goal but can do better on whole.
John Stones – 6.5
A bit of a stroll and, most importantly, came through it with no fitness concerns. Looked comfortable in what he had to do.
John Stones looked comfortable and made it through the game with no injury concerns
Djed Spence – 7
Questions over defending were obvious early on but he recovered and delivered teasing cross for Kane goal in stoppage-time.
Jordan Henderson – 7
Completed 48 of 49 passes, including one delicious ball to send Watkins clear. Seized responsibility early on. Looked good.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Did fine but there were a few loose balls and didn’t do enough to raise possibility of him starting tournament.
Ollie Watkins – 6.5
Less familiar right-wing role and spooned a big chance when clear. Came into game as half wore on and was lively.
Morgan Rogers – 5.5
Significantly given nod behind Kane but didn’t really do enough to impress, despite seeing plenty of ball.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Easily England’s best. Looked lean and keen. Came close with 25-yard dipper and created five chances.
Harry Kane – 7
Too deep at times, which was one big complaint of Euro 2024. Scored with only second touch in box, but that’s what matters.
Marcus Rashford was England’s best player and came close with one long-range effort
Second-half
James Trafford – 6
A spectator and had no saves to make in his 45 minutes. Did fine with his feet and on one occasion dashing from his goal to claim.
Reece James – 6
Looked strong and steady both physically and in possession and that’s all that can be asked of likely starting right back.
Ezri Konsa – 6
New Zealand’s only getaway of half came in behind Villa defender, but was hardly tested apart from that.
Dan Burn – 7
Denied first England goal when header clipped post, but that effort proved his nuisance value in box. Good on ball.
Tino Livramento – 6
Hard to judge defensive contribution because opposition barely attacked second-half. Tidy on ball in first action since April.
Elliot Anderson showed determination to make things happen without really getting anywhere
Elliot Anderson – 6.5
Showed usual determination to get on ball and make things happen – most passes into final third – even if endeavour did not really lead anywhere.
Nico O’Reilly – 6
Used in midfield – will likely start versus Croatia at left back – but was not involved enough for a player of his talent.
Rio Ngumoha – 6.5
Became England’s fifth youngest debutant. One or two moments of trickery and livened the crowd in what was largely dull affair.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Immediately showed class with probing balls and looked to take initiative wearing armband. A better showing than Rogers.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Not as impactful as Rashford but was unlucky when one dribble led to blocked shot. Seemed to tire a little after lack of action at Newcastle.
Antony Gordon did not have as much impact as Rashford – his direct competitor for a starting spot on the left
Ivan Toney – 5
Not involved enough and looked isolated. Won penalty only to be ruled offside, and just about summed up his half.
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 6.5
Will have learnt that Rashford deserves to start but will leave with doubts over best starter at No 10. Performance was too slow, and team will need to quicken when real action starts.
Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE
