England Ratings: Bellingham Heroics Not Enough
England's World Cup dream ended in heartbreak as they were eliminated by France in a thrilling quarter-final clash. Despite a valiant display and a stunning performance from Jude Bellingham, the Three Lions ultimately fell short, losing 2-1.
Rating the England players:
GK: Jordan Pickford (6/10)
Pickford was largely untroubled in the first half, but he couldn't do much about the first goal, where he was left exposed by a defensive mix-up. He did make some crucial saves, however, and his presence in the penalty area was a vital factor in keeping England in the game.
RB: Kyle Walker (7/10)
Walker was a threat going forward, providing width and pace on the right flank. He defended resolutely against the dangerous Kylian Mbappé, albeit with a few nervy moments. His experience and physicality were crucial in containing the French star for most of the game.
CB: John Stones (7/10)
Stones had a solid game, demonstrating his usual composure and composure under pressure. He was crucial in England's defensive organization, and his long passes helped initiate attacks from the back. His experience in big games was evident throughout.
CB: Harry Maguire (6/10)
Maguire had a mixed performance. While he was strong in the air and won several headers, he was also guilty of a few errors. His lack of pace was exposed on a couple of occasions, and his decision-making was not always convincing. He did, however, show his commitment and fight, which was a positive sign for the Three Lions.
LB: Luke Shaw (6/10)
Shaw was solid defensively, but he struggled to contribute much offensively. He lacked the incisiveness that he has shown in previous games. He did, however, create a few dangerous crosses into the box, showcasing his ability to deliver accurate balls from wide areas.
CM: Declan Rice (6/10)
Rice was his usual self in midfield, providing a solid defensive base and breaking up play effectively. He struggled to impose himself offensively, however, and his passing accuracy was not as high as usual.
CM: Jude Bellingham (9/10)
Bellingham was England's star performer. The young midfielder was a constant threat in the middle of the park, displaying exceptional energy, athleticism, and technical ability. He scored a stunning goal, showcasing his composure and finishing skills. His performance was a highlight of the tournament and highlighted the talent he possesses.
RW: Bukayo Saka (6/10)
Saka was quiet in the first half, but he came alive in the second half, making several dangerous runs down the right wing. His pace and directness caused problems for the French defense, but he was unable to convert his chances.
LW: Phil Foden (7/10)
Foden was a constant threat going forward, making clever runs and creating chances for his teammates. His dribbling skills were a constant nuisance for the French defense, and he was a key player in England's attacks.
ST: Harry Kane (7/10)
Kane struggled to get into the game in the first half, but he came alive in the second half and was a crucial part of England's late resurgence. He missed a penalty that could have sent the game to extra time, but he continued to fight hard and try to create chances for his teammates. He showed his leadership and commitment to the cause, even in the face of adversity.
Subs:
Marcus Rashford (6/10)
Rashford added fresh legs and pace to the attack, but he was unable to make a significant impact in the limited time he was given.
Jack Grealish (6/10)
Grealish came on late and was a creative spark in the final minutes, but it wasn't enough to inspire a comeback.
Conclusion:
Despite a valiant performance from England, their World Cup journey came to an end in a heartbreaking defeat. Jude Bellingham's heroics weren't enough to secure a win, and the penalty miss by Harry Kane proved costly. While the Three Lions will be disappointed with the result, there is a lot of talent and promise within the squad, and they can look ahead to the future with optimism.
FAQs:
Q: How did England perform in the tournament overall?
A: England performed well in the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals. They displayed a good mix of attacking flair and defensive solidity, but they ultimately fell short against a strong French side.
Q: What was the main reason for England's defeat?
A: While England's missed penalty was a significant turning point, the overall performance of the French team was too strong for England to overcome.
Q: Who was England's best player in the tournament?
A: Jude Bellingham was arguably England's standout performer, displaying exceptional energy, athleticism, and technical ability throughout the tournament.
Q: What's next for England?
A: England will now focus on qualifying for the next major tournament, Euro 2024. They have a good foundation in place, and with a few more years of development, they will be a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Q: Was England's exit a disappointment?
A: While England's early exit was a disappointment, it's important to remember that the tournament was a step in the right direction. There is a lot of potential within the current squad, and they will continue to grow and improve in the years to come.
Q: Will England be able to compete in the next World Cup?
A: England will be looking to make a strong push for the next World Cup, with a core of talented players and a young, hungry team. They have the potential to be a top contender, and their future looks bright.
