England Ratings: Bellingham Stars, Pickford Falters
England edged past Ukraine in a nervy affair in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, but the Three Lions weren't their usual dominant selves. While Jude Bellingham shone with a sensational performance, Jordan Pickford's shaky showing cast a shadow over the victory. Here's a breakdown of the England players' performances:
Jude Bellingham (9/10): The young midfielder was simply unplayable. His dynamism, composure, and technical ability were on full display. Bellingham orchestrated attacks, controlled the midfield, and even popped up in the box to almost score himself. He was a constant threat and deservedly earned Man of the Match honors. His performance was a testament to his remarkable maturity and talent, and a reminder why he's considered one of the most exciting young players in the world.
Harry Kane (7/10): Kane continued his impressive form with another well-taken goal, converting a penalty with his usual cool composure. He was a focal point in attack, holding the ball well and bringing others into play. However, he didn't quite have the same sharpness and urgency as in previous outings.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Saka provided a constant attacking threat down the right flank. He was quick, skillful, and created a couple of good chances. While he didn't quite hit the heights of his recent outings, his pace and dribbling ability posed a constant problem for the Ukrainian defense.
Raheem Sterling (6/10): Sterling was lively and created some opportunities, but he couldn't find the back of the net. He linked up well with his teammates, but his finishing was a bit off.
Phil Foden (6/10): Foden showed glimpses of his brilliance, but wasn't as influential as in previous games. He made some clever runs and tried to create chances, but he couldn't quite unlock the Ukrainian defense.
Kalvin Phillips (6/10): Phillips was solid and dependable in midfield, winning tackles and distributing the ball effectively. He provided a defensive presence alongside Bellingham, but he wasn't as dynamic or creative as the younger midfielder.
John Stones (6/10): Stones was solid at the back, making important clearances and tackling well. He was also comfortable on the ball, starting attacks from the back. While he didn't have a spectacular performance, he played his part effectively.
Luke Shaw (6/10): Shaw was reliable at left-back, providing width and solidity. He was a threat going forward, but his crossing accuracy was a bit off.
Declan Rice (6/10): Rice was a steady presence in midfield, breaking up play and shielding the defense. He wasn't as dynamic as Bellingham, but he provided the necessary defensive solidity.
Jordan Pickford (5/10): Unfortunately, Pickford had a night to forget. While he pulled off a couple of decent saves, he was also at fault for conceding the Ukrainian goal. His distribution was also shaky, and he didn't inspire confidence throughout the game.
Substitutes:
- Jack Grealish (6/10): Grealish brought energy and creativity to the attack after coming on. He provided some dangerous deliveries and helped England to secure the win.
- Marcus Rashford (6/10): Rashford came on late in the game and made a positive impact. He showed good pace and looked dangerous with his runs.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (N/A): Alexander-Arnold came on for the final minutes and didn't have much time to make an impact.
Overall: While England secured a vital win, their performance was far from convincing. They struggled to break down a stubborn Ukrainian defense and looked vulnerable at times defensively. However, Bellingham's brilliance provided a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the immense potential within this young England side.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the game:
1. What was the final score of the match? The final score of the match was England 2-0 Ukraine.
2. Who scored for England? Harry Kane scored a penalty in the 37th minute, and Bukayo Saka scored the second goal in the 72nd minute.
3. Why did England struggle to break down the Ukrainian defense? Ukraine's defense was organized and disciplined, making it difficult for England to create clear-cut chances. They also defended deep and effectively, limiting the space for England's attacking players.
4. What was the significance of the match for England? The match was a crucial one in England's bid to qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament. A win was essential to maintain their lead at the top of their qualifying group.
5. Who was the Man of the Match? Jude Bellingham was awarded the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
6. What are England's next fixtures? England's next qualifier is against Scotland in September 2023.
Conclusion:
While England emerged victorious, the match was a reminder that they still have work to do if they want to achieve their ambitions. They need to find consistency in their performances and improve their finishing. However, the emergence of young stars like Bellingham provides much cause for optimism for the future of English football.
