England’s World Cup Player Ratings: Bellingham Stands Out
England’s World Cup campaign ended in the semi-finals, but it was a tournament of highs and lows. Jude Bellingham was the standout performer with a rating of 9.5, while others like Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford fell short. Here are the full player ratings.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Jordan Pickford: 6 – The high point was Mexico but this was not vintage Pickford. He made the defence nervous with the ball at his feet and did not look assured. Could he have done better on Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser against Argentina? I thought that was unstoppable but in previous tournaments, we didn't even question him. Interesting times ahead with James Trafford eyeing No.1.
Reece James: 6 – His tournament highlights that it is hard to rely on him because of his fitness record and it is hard to argue he was at his best when he played. He missed too much of the tournament to say his inclusion was a success. England need a more reliable right back.
Ezri Konsa: 7.5 – Blimey, what a kick in the teeth that he did not start the semifinal having played so well in the previous games. Thomas Tuchel loves him for his tenacity, reading of danger and he showed all of those things. Good, often underrated defender.
John Stones: 7.5 – The two-on-one break against Norway was peak John Stones. People who criticise Alexander Sorloth miss the point. Stones gave him nowhere to go. It was incredible defending. Having missed much of the season, he was rusty and yet, unlike James, his inclusion was fully justified. Someone is going to get a hell of a free transfer. An England great. His dressing room prank was a belter, too.
Marc Guehi: 7.5 – It was a shock when he was left out of the opening game against Croatia. And, frankly, sometimes by not playing, your value to the team becomes clearer. It did with Guehi. So calm, classy and composed. You can see why Man City went all out for him. He has a long England career ahead. Class act.
Nico O’Reilly: 6 – Mixed bag. Not sure he ever hit the heights he reached with Man City last season but was solid and decent. He was unlucky to get dropped a couple of times but that was a reflection of a lack of cohesion on the left plus a reminder that he is not actually a natural full back.
Dan Burn: 6 – Dan Burn summed it up. If I don’t come on, he said, then England are on the way to the World Cup final. Sadly, he came on. Heroics in Mexico (when we never thought he’d get a minute) and as a last-gasp substitute. But more cult figure than class. We love Burn because it gives everyone hope. That’s lovely - but patronising all at the same time.
Jarell Quansah: 5 – Defined by his red card in Mexico. Moments like that can cost your team and if you lose then you are the villain. He is a good player, classy defender, a good centre-half. But not a right back.
Midfielders
Djed Spence: 8 – Played the game of his life against Argentina. And made brilliant substitute appearances against Croatia and Norway. What a boost this can give his confidence, career and his future. His tackle late on against Argentina - which he celebrated as if he had scored - was iconic. Sad that he got cramp just when Lionel Messi popped up. Spence v Messi. No-one would have dreamed that before the World Cup.
Elliot Anderson: 8 – Good tournament. Completed a £116m move to Manchester City midway through and suddenly he put a few of the doubts about his price to bed. You are worth what someone is willing to pay. He is top class. Good passing, incredible energy and unstoppable engine. He has enhanced his reputation big time.
Declan Rice: 7 – His game against Mexico was hugely impressive. But, let’s be clear, the guy was running on empty - especially after getting food poisoning in Mexico. He needs a bloody good holiday. Not his best tournament but never lets England down.
Jordan Henderson: 5 – Made history by becoming the first England player to play at a men’s World Cup. Finished it by breaking his arm after falling over advertising hoardings. One that he will want to forget. Good for morale.
Jude Bellingham: 9.5 – Where to start? England’s best player by a mile. He is a national treasure, reminded us what it means to play for England and dominated games. What a tournament he had. Outstanding. All that pre-tournament nonsense about him not being a team player. He gave everything for the team. His levels were off the charts. His performance in Mexico was the best I’ve seen in the flesh from an England player. His run of games the best since the lads of 66.
Forwards
Morgan Rogers: 7 – A bit-part player really but actually enhanced his standing. His assist for Anthony Gordon’s goal in the semi final. His shot parried by the keeper to set up Jude Bellingham in the quarter final. Made a difference every time he came on. His assist justified his inclusion against Argentina.
Eberechi Eze: 6.5 – Did not get many opportunities but I really liked him against Norway when he changed England’s midfield dynamic. A good inclusion overall. And you also feel he’d be such a good guy to have around the place.
Bukayo Saka: 6 – I regard Saka as one of England’s top three players. He’s so consistent, so reliable and so good. This was not Bukayo Saka. He was miles off being fit. He pushed himself at the end of the season to help England over the line. Arrived unfit - and finished needing a holiday. England in a semi final and not using Saka is unthinkable. That shows how much he has been struggling.
Noni Madueke: 5 – Really disappointing tournament. Best from the bench but really arrived with low confidence despite winning the title with Arsenal. He really needs a summer reset. There’s talent there but he can’t keep getting into positions and wasting crosses.
Marcus Rashford: 5 – Thomas Tuchel made it clear that he likes Rashford but the winger rarely produces on the pitch what he delivers in training. Another unfulfilled tournament. He’s got so much talent. But we rarely see it for England.
Anthony Gordon: 7.5 – Frustrating at first and then grew in stature. He also delivered the best interview of the World Cup when he talked about overcoming the odds and proving himself. He did just that. He scored against Argentina, played well as a forward and covered as a defender. Grew as a player and as a person.
Ollie Watkins: N/A – Six minutes against Panama. Never really got a fair crack - even when Harry Kane looked shattered. Impossible to mark fairly.
Ivan Toney: N/A – Was it worth it? It didn’t feel like it. I think he deserved more minutes. Instead last gasp against Argentina was too little too late.
Harry Kane: 9 – England’s Captain Marvel did well overall but was poor against Argentina - when they needed him most. But after six goals and great leadership, it’s impossible to be critical. Set records, scored and led by example. What a top player and leader.
Non-playing members: James Trafford, Dean Henderson, Trevoh Chalobah, Kobbie Mainoo.
