Tottenham Hotspur’s Scott Parker was our star man on the night in a disappointing performance for the England team.
Here are our player ratings from England’s depressing loss…
Joe Hart – 7
Joe Hart was again assured in England’s goal making a number of good saves in both normal and extra time. Will be disappointed not to have saved a penalty, especially teammate clubmate Mario Balotelli’s.
Glen Johnson – 7
Johnson has proved people wrong this tournament who question his defending and had another good showing last night. It is only a shame Englan’d best chance fell to him, but credit for getting into the position in the first place.
John Terry – 7
John Terry marshalled the England back line well and made a number of important defensive headers. He put in a crucial challenge of Mario Balotelli midway through the first half when the striker was through on goal.
Joleon Lescott – 7
The fact Lescott does not look out of place at this level says everything about how he has grown over the past season and developed further into a top player. Helped make an important contribution to England’s clean sheet.
Ashley Cole – 6
People will remember the penalty miss, but Cole defended well all night, shading a battle with Italy’s Abate who continually surged forward. The disappointment was just how little he got forward.
Steven Gerrard – 6
There was to be no repeat of Gerrard’s excellence over the group stages, and he never quite found his range with his passing all night. Spurred on his teammates to the last.
Scott Parker – 8
Scott Parker was England’s best performer, blocking shots and surging forward when he got the opportunity. It was a tough task and only his fitness prevented him from completing the whole game.
James Milner – 5
Milner performed better than in previous games but still struggled to make an impact and this capped a frustrating tournament, subbed off early once again.
Ashley Young – 5
This display was again a real disappointment for Young, and his penalty miss will haunt him. Failed to make anything happen going forward and spurned England’s final chance in open play.
Wayne Rooney – 5
Rooney simply did not look sharp, and well short of match fitness which showed at the end of extra time. His overhead kick could have won it but he rushed it too early sending it over the bar.
Danny Welbeck – 6
Welbeck harried the Italians in possession but didn’t offer enough in attack. The one chance he did have in the first half he blazed wildly over the bar.
Subs
Andy Carroll – 6
The striker’s link up play was impressive and his headed lay off almost set up Rooney for a winner. This tournament has done him the world of good.
Theo Walcott – 5
His winning cameo against Sweden seems like a long time ago and he failed to offer enough of an effective outlet for England going forward.
Jordan Henderson – 4
Barely touched the ball, and his very presence said everything about the lack of depth in England’s midfield.
image: © Mick Baker
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