England Player Ratings: Greece Defeat, Bellingham Shines
England cruised to a 3-0 victory over Greece in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Old Trafford, with Jude Bellingham once again proving his star quality. However, despite the comfortable win, some players struggled to impress, leading to a mixed bag of ratings.
Jude Bellingham - 9/10
Bellingham was simply outstanding, the game's best player. He dictated the tempo, controlled the midfield with his passing range, and provided the assist for the opening goal. Bellingham's energy and drive were infectious, and he constantly pressed the Greek defense, making life difficult for them.
Harry Kane - 8/10
Kane showed his clinical finishing prowess with two well-taken goals. He was involved in all the good things England did in attack and his link-up play with Bellingham was particularly impressive.
Bukayo Saka - 7.5/10
Saka provided the final pass for Bellingham's assist and was a constant threat down the right flank with his pace and trickery. He could have had a goal himself but his shot was just wide of the post.
Raheem Sterling - 7/10
Sterling started brightly and was unlucky not to score early on with a shot that hit the post. He played with a purpose and linked up well with the other attackers, but his final product was somewhat lacking.
Phil Foden - 6.5/10
Foden didn't have the same impact as some of his teammates and struggled to find his rhythm in the game. He was involved in a couple of promising moments, but his performance was underwhelming.
Kalvin Phillips - 6/10
Phillips started well but gradually faded as the game progressed. He struggled to impose himself on the midfield battle and wasn't as effective as Bellingham in controlling the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6/10
Alexander-Arnold was solid defensively but didn't offer much going forward. He struggled to create chances from his right-back position and was overshadowed by Saka on the opposite flank.
John Stones - 6/10
Stones had a relatively quiet game. He was comfortable in possession and dealt with any Greek threats with ease, but he wasn't asked to do much defensively.
Luke Shaw - 6/10
Shaw was reliable at left-back, offering support in attack and performing his defensive duties diligently. However, he lacked the attacking flair of Saka and didn't create any real danger for the Greek defense.
Declan Rice - 5.5/10
Rice had a frustrating night. He was unable to replicate his usual dominating performance in the midfield and was often caught out of position. He lacked the dynamism and creativity of Bellingham and struggled to influence the game.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford - 6.5/10
Rashford came on in the second half and added some energy and pace to the attack. He should have scored a goal but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.
Ethan Nwaneri - 6/10
Nwaneri became the youngest player to ever represent England when he came on in the final minutes. He showed some promising signs and will be hoping to get more opportunities in the future.
Overall
England's 3-0 victory over Greece was a comfortable one, but the performance was not without its flaws. While Bellingham shone brightly, some of his teammates struggled to make a significant impact. Gareth Southgate will be pleased with the three points, but he will be hoping for a more convincing performance from his team in their next qualifier.
Key Takeaways:
- Bellingham continues to shine and is quickly becoming a vital player for England.
- Kane remains a lethal finisher and a key figure in the team's attack.
- Some players, like Rice and Foden, need to step up their performances if they want to be regular starters for England.
- Southgate has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, but he needs to find the right balance in his team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was England's scoreline against Greece?
England defeated Greece 3-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
2. Who were the goalscorers for England?
Harry Kane scored twice, while Bellingham assisted the opening goal.
3. Who was England's best player?
Jude Bellingham stood out as the game's best player, controlling the midfield and providing a vital assist.
4. Why did some players receive low ratings?
Players like Rice and Foden failed to make a significant impact and were overshadowed by their teammates.
5. What are England's next fixtures?
England will face Ukraine in their next Euro 2024 qualifier on September 9th, 2023.
6. How important are these qualifying matches for England?
England needs to secure a place in Euro 2024, and these qualifying matches are crucial for their chances of doing so.
Conclusion
The victory over Greece was a positive result for England, but there is still room for improvement. With a talented squad and a capable manager, England will be looking to make a strong statement at Euro 2024. However, they need to ensure that all players are performing at their best if they want to achieve their goals. The upcoming qualifier against Ukraine will be a crucial test for Southgate's team.
