England vs Argentina player ratings: Djed Spence shines for Three Lions but Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Harry Kane fail to deliver | Football News
England are out of the World Cup after losing their semi-final 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta. Here are the England player ratings on a disappointing night for the Three Lions…
Jordan Pickford – 7
Made some crucial saves in the second half as England looked to hold onto their lead, but he could not do anything about Enzo Fernandez’s late strike from distance and Lautaro Martinez’s winning header.
Reece James – 6
Another of Thomas Tuchel’s changes and James was solid in his defensive duties. He didn’t have the opportunity to get forward too much and show what he can do with his delivery, but it was an assured display. Eventually replaced on 82 minutes as he had no more to give to the cause.
John Stones – 7
A really battling performance from the former Man City defender, who hasn’t had much football at all this season. Eventually, with the rest of his defensive colleagues, they buckled under Argentina’s pressure as Tuchel’s defensive tactics backfired.
Lionel Messi is congratulated by Harry Kane at full-time
Marc Guehi – 7
Another brave defensive performance but Argentina’s pressure proved too much for Guehi and his team-mates.
Djed Spence – 8
A surprise inclusion from Tuchel but Spence was superb. It was a selection that paid dividends and his tackle to stop Giuliano Simeone from getting a shot away early in the second half was one of the moments of the match.
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Paul Merson says he’s devastated at England’s loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final
Elliot Anderson – 7
Tasked with sticking close to Lionel Messi and he did his job superbly, especially after picking up a first-half booking. He was heavily involved in what was a heated midfield battle and more than held his own against some world-class Argentina midfield operators.
Lisandro Martinez confronts Elliot Anderson after a foul on Lionel Messi (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Declan Rice – 5
The Arsenal midfielder is still not at his marauding best. Still, he put in a lot of the hard yards after taking his place in the starting XI after recovering from illness. His set-piece delivery was better than against Norway but not the tournament Rice would have hoped for after winning the Premier League with Arsenal.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Handed the chance to start on the right flank and after a first half with not much space out on the pitch, he delivered the cross for Gordon’s goal. However, he faded badly as England’s defensive tactics kicked in as they failed to defend their lead.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Targeted by Argentina and he failed to have the impact we have seen from him throughout the tournament.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Not the easiest of games for the forward players but he was in the right place at the right time to convert Rogers’ cross for England’s goal. Replaced after England went defensive to try and protect the lead.
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England fans across the country were ROARING after Anthony Gordon put England ahead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final
Harry Kane – 5
No impact in the game whatsoever from the England captain. Ploughed a real lone furrow, especially with England trying to defend a lead. Provided no outlet when England needed it.
Subs
Ezri Konsa – 5
On for Gordon in the 73rd minute as England looked to see out the game. Lacked quality in attack and with his delivery as England chased a late equaliser.
Dan Burn – 5
On for James in the 82nd minute. The change did not work this time as he had no impact in either box.
Nico O’Reilly – 5
Rice’s replacement and he could not stop the cross which led to Argentina’s winner.
Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford – N/A
Thrown on to try and get a late equaliser.
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