England‘s U21 side picked up an impressive win over Italy at Pescara’s Stadio Adriatico as three Tottenham players and Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell all started – and here are our player ratings from the 2-0 win:
Josef Bursik (Stoke City) – 7
Incredibly confident in possession, allowing Italy’s attackers to close him down until the last moment. But a clean sheet for the Stoke stopper in his 10th cap for the 21’s. Brilliant save on 23 minutes, with Italy through on goal.
Levi Colwill (Chelsea, on loan at Huddersfield) – 7
Excellent in possession and picking out midfielders. Superbly positioned and won fouls in his own third at important times. Really solid display from an exciting defensive talent, really unlucky not to make it three – hitting the post.
Charlie Cresswell (Leeds, on loan at Millwall) – 7
Rarely troubled but solid when needed. Comfortable in possession, the Leeds talent, as he continues to establish himself as a regular in Carsley’s back three. Seen as a potential first-choice defender at Leeds, easy to see why.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Manchester City, on loan at Burnley) – 8
Rock-solid. Can tell how working under Vincent Kompany is beginning to mould the young Manchester City man. Crunching tackle towards the end of the first half, timed impeccably. Good passing, very strong performance.
Djed Spence (Tottenham) – 6
Perhaps a lack of game time at Tottenham showed. Has only managed one substitute appearance for Spurs since his move to North London. Quiet, and particularly safe, when in possession and going forward. Nothing wrong, though.
Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) – 8
Utter energy from the Chelsea man. Chased down everything, including a half-long sprint on the goalkeeper inside the first 10 minutes. Won the penalty, showing he deserves to be in the senior squad. Unlucky not to score on 16 minutes.
Oliver Skipp (Tottenham) – 9
nmLnmmovely, controlled performance from England’s sitting midfielder. Despite his lack of match fitness through injury, always looked assured. Neat passing throughout, as he gave Gallagher the authority to join the attack.
Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham) – 5
Mediocre display from Sessegnon, offered little going forward. Lost Juve talent Andrea Cambiaso on 15 minutes, who should have done better with a free header. Capable of a whole lot better, as he has shown at Tottenham this term.
Angel Gomes (Lille) – 7
Gorgeous assist from the ex-Manchester United attacker to set up Rhian Brewster for his second. Looks like he has a new lease of life, as he continues to be first choice with the Ligue 1 side. Booked on 17 minutes for a late lunge.
Rhian Brewster (Sheffield United) – 9
Lead the line superbly. Scored the penalty inside the first two minutes, and then made it two moments later with a gorgeous little chip over the onrushing Alessandro Plizzari. Lead the line superbly, blocked one on line on 36 mins.
Cole Palmer (Manchester City) – 8
Couple of lovely turns and drives from midfield. Picked up some gorgeous positions, floating inside from the right flank. Despite not playing much under Pep Guardiola, you can see why he is being picked for the U21 side.
SUBS: England U21 player ratings from win over Italy
Anthony Gordon (Everton, 17 mins) 7
Can tell the in-demand winger is in form. About to sign a new deal back home, Gordon looked incredibly confident during his brief cameo role. Every time he got possession, he tried to take people on, testing the goalkeeper.
Others:
Max Aarons (Norwich, 17 mins)
Luke Thomas (Leicester, 17 mins)
Folarin Balogun (Arsenal, on loan at Reims, 17 mins)
Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), 17 mins)
James Garner (Everton, 17 mins)
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool, 17 mins)
Tommy Doyle (Manchester City, on loan at Sheffield United, 17 mins)
Luke Mbete (Manchester City, on loan at Huddersfield, 1 min)
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
