England Player Ratings: Bellingham Brilliance, Foden Fails
England's 2-0 victory over Ukraine at Wembley was a mixed bag, with Jude Bellingham's masterful performance overshadowed by a disappointing display from Phil Foden. While the Three Lions secured a crucial win in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, certain players left much to be desired, highlighting areas for improvement ahead of the tournament next summer.
Jude Bellingham: 9/10
The young Borussia Dortmund midfielder was a beacon of energy and quality, dominating the midfield with his dynamism and tactical awareness. Bellingham effortlessly dictated the tempo, winning the ball in key areas, and launching attacks with precision. His passing was pinpoint, threading through balls to his teammates, and his movement off the ball was a constant headache for the Ukrainian defense. Bellingham's performance was arguably the most complete and impressive of the night, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Harry Kane: 8/10
The England captain continued his remarkable form, leading the line with his usual combination of power, intelligence, and clinical finishing. He opened the scoring with a trademark header, demonstrating his aerial dominance and goal-scoring instinct. Kane was a constant threat, holding up the ball effectively, and creating space for his teammates. While he wasn't heavily involved in the build-up play, his presence in the final third was crucial to England's success.
Bukayo Saka: 7.5/10
The Arsenal winger was a menace on the right flank, using his pace and dribbling skills to torment the Ukrainian defenders. He provided a constant threat, cutting inside and delivering dangerous crosses. Although he was unable to find the net himself, his creative play was essential to England's attacking potency. Saka's energy and directness were a key ingredient in England's performance.
Phil Foden: 5/10
The Manchester City forward failed to replicate his club form, struggling to impact the game. Foden looked isolated and ineffective, lacking the spark and creativity that has become synonymous with his game. He often drifted out of the game and was unable to unlock the Ukrainian defense, which is a far cry from his usual standards. Foden will need to rediscover his confidence and sharpness ahead of Euro 2024 if he wants to be a crucial part of Gareth Southgate's plans.
Raheem Sterling: 6/10
The Chelsea winger provided a decent performance, offering energy and hustle in the attacking line. He was involved in the build-up to Kane's first goal, showcasing his ability to link play effectively. However, he lacked the decisiveness and cutting edge that we've become accustomed to seeing from Sterling. While he was a contributor, his performance was far from spectacular, leaving room for improvement.
The Rest:
- Declan Rice (7/10): A steady presence in midfield, providing defensive cover and orchestrating attacks with composure.
- John Stones (7/10): Solid at the heart of the defense, making crucial interventions and keeping the Ukrainian attackers at bay.
- Luke Shaw (7/10): Offered consistent attacking threat down the left flank, providing good service into the box.
- Kalidou Koulibaly (6.5/10): Made a positive impact on his debut, displaying his defensive experience and strength.
- Jordan Henderson (6.5/10): Solid and dependable, contributing defensively and providing stability in the midfield.
- Jack Grealish (6/10): Came on as a substitute and added some creative spark, but his influence was limited.
- Callum Wilson (N/A): Came on as a late substitute and had minimal time to impact the game.
Overall:
The England players put in a professional and ultimately successful performance against a stubborn Ukrainian side. While the result is undoubtedly positive, the performance was far from perfect. Foden's lackluster display raises concerns, while Bellingham's brilliance showcased his potential as a genuine game-changer. As England looks to the future, it will be crucial for Gareth Southgate to find a balance between experienced players and emerging talent, with Bellingham and Kane leading the way.
FAQs:
1. Why was Phil Foden's performance so disappointing?
Foden looked out of sorts, lacking the confidence and creativity that usually defines his game. He struggled to create chances, connect with his teammates, and make a meaningful impact on the game.
2. How did Jude Bellingham dominate the midfield?
Bellingham's dominance was evident in his ability to win the ball, dictate the tempo, and launch attacks with precision. His tactical awareness, passing range, and movement off the ball made him a constant threat to the Ukrainian defense.
3. What are England's strengths going forward?
England possesses a talented squad with depth and experience. Their strengths lie in the attack, with Kane, Bellingham, Saka, and Sterling capable of creating and scoring goals. Their defensive organization and solidity also make them a formidable opponent.
4. What are England's weaknesses going forward?
Despite their overall strength, England can be vulnerable against teams who can exploit their lack of pace and aggression in certain areas. They need to find consistency in their attacking approach and ensure that all players are performing at their best.
5. What are the key takeaways from this game for England?
The game highlighted the importance of consistent performances and the need for all players to be at their best. Bellingham's brilliance shows the potential of youth while Foden's struggles highlight the need for improvement in certain areas. The victory was important, but England has much to work on before Euro 2024.
6. What are the chances of England winning Euro 2024?
England is a strong contender for the Euro 2024 title, but their success will depend on their ability to maintain consistency, overcome potential weaknesses, and capitalize on their strengths. The competition will be fierce, and England will need to be at their absolute best to achieve their ambitions.
Conclusion:
England's victory over Ukraine was a positive step forward in their preparations for Euro 2024. However, the performance revealed both strengths and weaknesses that will need addressing before the tournament begins. The emergence of Jude Bellingham as a world-class midfielder offers exciting possibilities for the future, while Phil Foden's underwhelming display requires introspection and a return to form. As Gareth Southgate continues to build his team, the balance between experience and emerging talent will be crucial in determining England's ultimate success.
