ENGLAND’S Nations League campaign finished on a positive note with a 4-0 hammering of Iceland.
Boss Gareth Southgate will have been delighted as youngsters Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Mason Mount all got their names on the scoresheet.
England finished their Nations League group with a 4-0 hammering over IcelandCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
But skipper Harry Kane was again unable to net again as his barren 2020 in international football continued.
Here’s how Tom Barclay rates the Three Lions’ performers.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do with Iceland failing to lay a glove on England.
Still gave home fans jitters with some risky passing.
Kyle Walker – 6
Feared his England career might be over when sent off against Iceland in September, and picked up an early yellow here for diving in. Solid otherwise.
Eric Dier was often the catalyst for the latter with his eye for a pass.Credit: AP:Associated Press
Eric Dier – 6
Gareth Southgate’s backline had very little to defend and spent most of the game sparking attacks. Dier was often the catalyst for the latter with his eye for a pass.
Harry Maguire – 8 Interesting to see him bomb forward when he could in a similar manner to the centre-backs at his old side Sheffield United.
Fed Phil Foden with an excellent ball which the Manchester City man should have converted.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Provided the out ball for England much of the time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold offers more going forward but England are lucky to have such a talented alternative.
Declan Rice celebrates scored his first goal for his countryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Declan Rice – 7
Scored his first goal for his country – even if the ball did go in off his shoulder.
Was a threat at set pieces and his anchoring allowed great mate Mason Mount to roam.
Mason Mount appeared to be playing central midfield but in reality he popped up all over the placeCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
Mason Mount – 9
Appeared to be playing central midfield but in reality he popped up all over the place, interchanging well with Jack Grealish and Foden.
Was clever with his touch and finish for his goal. Not even 22 yet, he looks a real asset to England.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Formed an exciting link-up with Grealish down the left.
Blew the chance to score his first international goal when miskicking from eight yards – but his pace drew a second yellow card for veteran Birkir Saevarsson.
Manchester City’s starlet shone out on the right Credit: EPA
Phil Foden – 9
Only positive news for the Manchester City starlet against Iceland this time as he shone out on the right.
Like Grealish, he offers invaluable dribbling ability and grabbed his first senior goals with two lethal finishes. From being sent home, to scoring at home.
Harry Kane – 6
Was desperate to end his barren run – and it showed.
Shot at every opportunity, did come close, but ultimately is now looking at no England goals in all six games he has played in 2020.
Weirdly, has never scored on Wednesday for his country. Does this formation suit him?
Jack Grealish – 8
Not as electric as he was against Belgium but still sent Iceland into a panic every time he got the ball.
With entertainment at a premium in Southgate’s current style, it is such a relief to have him in the team. Long may it continue.
Harry Kane is ultimately is now looking at no England goals in all six games he has played in 2020Credit: PA:Press Association
SUBS
Tyrone Mings (on for Walker). Nodded wide from a Trippier free-kick – though he looked offside anyway. 6.
Harry Winks (on for Mount). Grabbed an assist as he laid the ball off to Foden for his brilliant second. 7
Jadon Sancho (on for Grealish). The Borussia Dortmund man teed up old City pal Foden perfectly with a neat lay-off. 7
Tammy Abraham (on for Kane). Put himself about but did not really get a sniff. 6
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (on for Trippier). Came on in the closing stages. 6
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
