Player ratings for England as they kicked off their 2014 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Italy in Manaus.
In a repeat of the 2012 European Championship quarter-final, which Italy won on penalties, they only needed 90 minutes this time to overcome England in Manaus.
Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring in the 35th minute from 25 yards out from a well-worked corner. However, England responded well and Sturridge equalised two minutes later after a great pass from Raheem Sterling and a fine cross from Wayne Rooney that set up the Liverpool striker.
Despite that, Mario Balotelli, who so often stole the headlines during his time in England for his off-pitch antics, did just that but through scoring the winner after 50 minutes. A great cross from Antonio Candreva allowed Balotelli to peel to the back post and score the winner for the Azzurri.
Here are our player ratings for England:
Joe Hart – 7
The goalkeeper didn’t have much of a chance for either goal, but the Manchester City man didn’t look too troubled for most of the game.
Glen Johnson – 7
Went forward a lot and looked threatening at times, however, the defensive question marks around him remain, especially his positioning for Italy’s winner.
Gary Cahill – 7
At slight fault for the Balotelli goal as the cross went over his head. However, he is still an important threat at set-pieces going forward and kept going until the end.
Phil Jagielka – 7
Important clearance off the line from Balotelli in the first half and looked solid throughout.
Leighton Baines – 6
At fault for Italy’s winner, although he wasn’t helped from his midfield. Set pieces weren’t to his normal standards either.
Steven Gerrard – 7
Captain tried to keep England playing through his normal array of passing, could have had a penalty in the second half but the referee thought otherwise.
Jordan Henderson – 7
Provided energy in the midfield and his runs created important counter-attacks for those in front of him. Strong performance.
Raheem Sterling – 8
England’s best player. Creative and quick dribbling made him a handful for the Italian defence. Definite starter against Uruguay on Thursday.
Wayne Rooney – 6
All the headlines saying he shouldn’t start and they will stay. Made a great ball for Sturridge’s goal but other than that looked lost – missed a golden chance in the second half that proved costly.
Danny Welbeck – 7
Worked hard up front and his energy was effective during the first half and Italy struggled with his movement. Faded away as the match wore on due to the heat, however.
Danny Sturridge – 7
Scored the important goal and was creative throughout, but went off injured after 79 minutes with a slight injury. Needs to start against Uruguay.
Subs:
Jack Wilshere – 6
Failed to create any chances when he come on and struggled to keep up with the pace.
Ross Barkley – 7
Slotted into tournament football very well, played his normal game and did his chances of starting no harm with his 30-minute appearance.
Adam Lallana – 7
Come on with 10 minutes remaining and tried to create, but at that time the match looked beyond England.
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