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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg at Al Bayt Stadium

England 1-2 France: World Cup quarter-final player ratings

England

Jordan Pickford The swerve and pace on Tchouaméni’s strike made it hard. Good saves from Giroud and Rabiot. But powerless to stop Giroud’s winner. 7/10

Kyle Walker Stayed disciplined and made sure not to leave England short at the back. But there was trouble when Mbappé had space to run at him. 7/10

John Stones Part of his job was to get his positioning right and help Walker with Mbappé. Could not cut out Griezmann’s cross for France’s second. 7/10

Harry Maguire Grazed the woodwork with a header at 1-1. Defended with vigour. But ultimately he will be remembered for losing Giroud for the winner. 6/10

Luke Shaw France targeted him and one cross from the right almost led to a goal. But Shaw stuck to his task and managed to keep Dembélé quiet. 7/10

Declan Rice Had his work cut out trying to mark Griezmann. Had to make a lot of interceptions and covering runs. Grew stronger as the game progressed. 8/10

Jordan Henderson Nobody could fault the veteran’s effort. Was a key part of England’s defensive display. But he often lacked composure in possession. 6/10

Jude Bellingham The 19-year-old looked raw at first. He tracked back well but lost too many duels. But his surging runs in the second half were impressive. 8/10

Bukayo Saka The winger lost the ball before France’s opener and lacked conviction in first half. But fine response. His dribbling terrified France after break. 8/10

Harry Kane Captain responded when England conceded, worrying France. But after scoring one penalty, it was astonishing to see him blaze the next over. 7/10

Phil Foden Another who woke up in the second half. His technical ability allowed him to wriggle out of tight spots when he was under pressure. 6/10

Substitutes: Raheem Sterling Unable to influence the game after replacing Saka. 6; Mason Mount Made an impact by winning the penalty. 7; Jack Grealish Came on for Stones during added time. 6; Marcus Rashford Bent free-kick inches over at the death. 6

Adrien Rabiot bundles over Harry Kane
Adrien Rabiot bundles over Harry Kane, who scored one penalty but missed a second. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

France

Hugo Lloris The Tottenham goalkeeper denied Kane with two sharp saves during the first half. Another fine stop thwarted Bellingham. 8/10

Jules Koundé The Barcelona defender did not offer much in attack. He was more focused on trying to stop Foden and Shaw combining down the flank. 7/10

Raphaël Varane The centre-back managed to hold things together when England were pressing for a winner in the second half. His experience proved vital. 8/10

Dayot Upamecano Sparked the move that led to France’s first by winning possession off Saka. Had a couple of shaky moments when Kane rolled him. 6/10

Theo Hernandez The defender always wanted to support the attack. He was less certain when Saka began to wriggle into space. Conceded a silly penalty. 5/10

Aurélien Tchouaméni The 22-year-old was classy during the first half and scored a brilliant goal. But his inexperience flared when he fouled Saka for first penalty. 8/10

Adrien Rabiot The Juventus midfielder says that he has become more mature. This was evidence to support that claim. Rabiot was strong and energetic. 8/10

Ousmane Dembélé Hinted at danger whenever he had room on the right. But he sometimes leaves you wanting more. Let the game drift him by at times. 6/10

Antoine Griezmann Knitted attacks together and unbalanced England with clever movement. Kept drifting into space, two assists. Clever and selfless. 9/10

Kylian Mbappé So strong, quick and smart. Involved in the opener, turning Rice, and fired over near the end of the first half. England never looked settled. 7/10

Olivier Giroud France’s record scorer was never going to worry by running in behind but always a danger in the box. Threatened twice before making it 2-1. 8/10

Substitutes: Kingsley Coman The winger was quiet after replacing Dembélé. 6

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