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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg at San Siro

England player ratings: Bellingham a rare bright spot in dismal defeat

Jude Bellingham was England’s standout player on another poor night in the Nations League.
Jude Bellingham was England’s standout player on another poor night in the Nations League. Photograph: Antonio Calanni/AP

Nick Pope (GK): Responded sharply to deny Gianluca Scamacca and Manolo Gabbiadini, but his distribution inspired little confidence. 5

Kyle Walker (RCB): Caught out by Leonardo Bonucci’s lovely long ball and unable to recover as Giacomo Raspadori gave Italy the lead. 4

Eric Dier (CB): Solid on his first appearance for England since November 2020. The Tottenham defender made some important blocks. 6

Harry Maguire (LCB): Beaten in the air by Scamacca early on but soon settled down. There were no horror moments from the centre-back. 6

Reece James (RWB): Sent in a few teasing crosses but was often too casual. He could have been punished for losing possession in dangerous areas. 4

Declan Rice (CM): Unable to put his foot on the ball and get England moving. The West Ham captain argued with Walker during the first half. 5

Jude Bellingham (CM): England improved when he drove forward in the second half. The worry is his positioning. No connection with Rice. 6

Bukayo Saka (LWB): An interesting selection on the left, but his defensive inexperience was exposed. Italy targeted the youngster, who had a shaky game. 4

England’s Raheem Sterling on the ball.
Raheem Sterling repeatedly lost possession. Photograph: Matteo Bazzi/EPA

Phil Foden (AM): Glided out of tricky spots, but nobody was on his wavelength. Faded after some encouraging moments during the first half. 4

Raheem Sterling (AM): One of England’s main men had a shocker. Every second touch was a tackle. He constantly lost possession. A concern. 3

Harry Kane (CF): The captain was isolated for long spells and fed off scraps. Denied an equaliser by Gianluigi Donnarumma’s double save. 4

Subs
Jack Grealish (for Saka, 72) 6
Luke Shaw (for Walker, 72) 6

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