England ratings: Declan Rice shines as he bags crucial opener but Kalvin Phillips still has rust to knock off
HARRY KANE’S record-breaking goal proved decisive in a historic victory – but only just.The England captain’s penalty late in the first half took him to 54 international goals and clear as the Three Lions’ top goalscorer.
England took on Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifierCredit: Rex
Declan Rice was man of the match for the Three LionsCredit: Getty
But Gareth Southgate’s side were left holding on for their first win in Italy since 1961 as the hosts stepped it up after the break and Luke Shaw was sent off.
Declan Rice was England’s man of the match, not so much for his opening goal but for his consistent high standards in a real game of two halves.
In the first, England played arguably their best football against a major footballing nation since they beat Spain 3-2 in Seville in October 2018.
In the second, the familiar failings of not keeping possession and inviting opponents on to them almost cost them dear.
Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated Gareth Southgate’s men…
Jordan Pickford – 7
A spectator for the first half, limited to some routine catches and clearances. Distribution was good, though, helping England to play further up the pitch.
Sharp save at start of second half and helpless for the goal as defence let him down. Made a couple of important punches.
Kyle Walker – 6
Limited Italian threat in first half came down his side. Didn’t look overly troubled but it did restrict his ability to get forward himself to match Shaw’s contribution on the other flank.
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Did enough to make Lorenzo Pellegrini snatch at a second-half chance.
John Stones – 7
Comfortable for first half, doing the basics well and rarely giving a tame Italian frontline much hope. Good block on Mateo Retegui in a rare moment of danger.
More vulnerable in second half as England lost grip on the game and began defending deeper.
John Stones displayed his flexibility at the backCredit: AFP
Luke Shaw picked up two yellow cards within just 54 secondsCredit: Rex
Kalvin Phillips looked a little off the pace thanks to his lack of actionCredit: Getty
Harry Maguire – 6
Solid and tidy at the back in the first half after hesitant start. Pinged some good long diagonals to give England variety to their build-up play.
But caught out as Italy hit back through Retegui and booked for a foul in the build-up. Did his bit in backs-to-the-wall last ten minutes.
Luke Shaw – 6
England’s best defender until his slightly unfortunate sending-off. Serbian referee was over-zealous with bookings for time-wasting but had no choice to produce a red after a foul 54 seconds after his first yellow.
Strong in defence and useful going forward in first half, forced back in second.
Kalvin Phillips – 6
Looked rusty in the opening stages, giving the ball away a couple of times, but gradually found his way into the game.
Confidence grew enough for him to have a decent shot just wide as England took control. Unable to stem Italian tide in second half, but not alone in that.
Declan Rice – 9
Are you watching, Graeme Souness? In the right place at the right time all night. That was mostly his bread and butter of nicking the ball away at important moments, but also took the opening goal well.
At times in second half, seemed to be the only defensive player with composure.
Rice fired through the bodies to open the scoringCredit: Rex
Jude Bellingham showed plenty of class in midfieldCredit: Getty
Jude Bellingham – 7
Drove the Italians – especially Marco Verratti – mad in the first half when they simply couldn’t get the ball off him.
Enjoyed No10 role, forcing very good save out of Gianluigi Donnarumma that led to corner for first goal. Not nearly as effective in the second as the tide turned.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Another impressive performance from the young Arsenal star. So direct and strong in attack, so disciplined in his defensive work, filling in as a right-back to allow Phillips to go hunting.
His corners led to both first-half goals and he did his best to pose a threat in second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Tackle on edge of his own box was his first contribution but soon began linking play in better areas of pitch. Blocked shot led to Rice goal.
Then a nerveless penalty delivered the moment of history. Did what he could to give the team a second-half platform but it was thankless work.
Harry Kane became England’s all-time record goalscorerCredit: Getty
Bukayo Saka caused plenty of problems in the first halfCredit: Getty
Jack Grealish – 6
After wayward first pass, seemed to be taking his opportunity as he combined well with Shaw down the left.
Kept ball well but lack of end product, especially when failed to finish fine move in first-half stoppage time. Faded in second half and deservedly taken off.
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Phil Foden (for Grealish, 69 mins) – 5
Made little impact until he had to be sacrificed following the red card for Shaw.
Kieran Trippier (for Foden, 81 mins) – 6
England need experienced head as alarm bells rang, did enough on left.
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Reece James (for Saka, 85 mins) – 6
Brought on to shore things up as Italy pushed for an equaliser.
Conor Gallagher (for Bellingham, 85 mins) – 6
Helped England see out the game in a 5-3-1 formation.
Jack Grealish should have scored and was rightly taken offCredit: Reuters
Phil Foden barely got a touch during his limited minutesCredit: Rex More
