Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is our star man. Who was yours?
Here are our player ratings from England’s opener v France…
Joe Hart – 7
Hart himself knows he should have kept Nasri’s strike out, but the pace of the shot was too much for him. Apart from that, Hart coped well with everything France threw at him, and was very impressive.
Glen Johnson – 6
Far better than his last tournament performance in an England shirt, which admittedly isn’t hard, Johnson still gives fans worries with his positioning. He made plenty of forward runs and offered a good outlet, which hopefully will bear fruit against Sweden and Ukraine. Improved defensively as the game went on.
John Terry – 7
Terry formed a solid partnership with Lescott at the back, which they had to to keep Karim Benzema as quiet as possible. The striker was restricted to shooting from distance and Terry played a key part in this.
Joleon Lescott – 7
A very well taken header provided England’s goal, and it was a moment to remember for him. He will hope to continue to offer a goal threat in future games, but had the odd lapse of concentration in defence which he will need to improve.
Ashley Cole – 6
Cole was quiet going forward, but defensively he was as solid as he was in the Champions League Final. More is needed from Cole going forward though, he has it in is locker, and will be expected to show it next game.
Scott Parker – 7
Parker made life as difficult as possible for the French in midfield, and worked tirelessly to deny the creative fulcrum Cabaye the space he craved, doing exactly what was required of him.
Steven Gerrard – 8
Gerrard’s free-kick for England’s opener was the perfect delivery, and he played well throughout the game. He played deeper than his attacking instincts would prefer, but he was hard working and industrious, blocking three shots, and worked to assist the attack going forward too.
James Milner – 6
It could have been so different for James Milner had he shown a modicum of composure after rounding French goalkeepr Hugo Lloris early in the first half. He could even have taken a touch and lifted his head before driving it into the side-netting, and the rest of his performance lacked the same assurance which would have served him well for his golden chance.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Picking Oxlade-Chamberlain was undoubtedly the right decision by Hodgson, and the experience will stand the winger in good stead for the future. He was unable to have the desired effect, and picked up a needless booking giving away a free-kick in a dangerous area in the first half when he should have stayed on his feet.
Ashley Young – 6
Young came into the game billed as England’s brightest hope, but it was a frustrating night for the attacker as France had him well scouted every time he tried to cut inside. He kept trying to make things happen, but it didn’t quite come off for him.
Danny Welbeck – 7
Welbeck was bright and held the ball up well, but was starved of quality service. He harried the French defence all night long, but we can’t rate him any higher because he didn’t manage a shot on goal.
Subs
Jermain Defoe – 5 Tried to run into dangerous positions, but England’s attack did not improve with him on
Jordan Henderson – 5 Made little impression on the game in its closing stages
Theo Walcott – N/A No time
How would you rate the players?
image: © p_a_h
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