Italy (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) Italy’s best player during a trying first half. The goalkeeper made a fine save to deny Jude Bellingham but could do nothing about England’s goals. 6
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB) The Napoli defender had a difficult night on his home ground. He was vulnerable against England’s left side and he conceded a penalty for handball. 5
Rafael Tolói (CB) Italy have had many great centre-backs. Tolói is not one of them. The veteran’s lack of pace was exposed time and again. 5
Francesco Acerbi (CB) The 35-year-old’s limitations were shown up by the quality of Harry Kane’s movement. He was stronger in the second half. 6
Leonardo Spinazzola (LB) The Roma defender was full of adventure during Euro 2020. It is harder to fly forward when your direct opponent is Bukayo Saka, though. 5
Jorginho (CM) Italy’s conductor was unable to cope with Bellingham’s pressing. He repeatedly lost the ball and looked powerless against England’s physicality in midfield during the first half. 5
Marco Verratti (CM) The Paris Saint-Germain technician could not influence the game. England’s tyros kept running past him. He looked ponderous, although he had more control after half-time. 6
Nicolò Barella (CM) The Internazionale midfielder tried to support the attack but space was limited. He helped Italy press higher during the second half. 6
Domenico Berardi (RW) The winger struggled to provide any invention. Berardi could not complain about being taken off early in the second half. 5
Mateo Retegui (CF) The debutant could not hold the ball up during the first half. But he did not fluff his lines when he was through on goal. His finish was ruthless. 7
Lorenzo Pellegrini (LW) The winger went close at the start of the second half, blazing over from a promising position, but he made Retegui’s goal with a clever pass. 7
Substitutes: Bryan Cristante 6; Matteo Politano 6 Wilfried Gnonto 6; Sandro Tonali 6; Gianluca Scamacca 6
England (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford (GK): England’s No 1 was underworked during the first half. He could do nothing when Retegui dragged Italy back into the game. 6
Kyle Walker (RB): The experienced defender was untroubled by a slow Italy attack at first. But he was under pressure after being booked for time-wasting and his difficulties grew when Gnonto came on. 6
John Stones (CB): The centre-back made an important block from a Retegui shot when it was still 1-0. He mostly defended well. But he stopped playing when Harry Maguire was down and Italy attacked, leaving Shaw exposed when the left-back was sent off. 7
Harry Maguire (CB): The big centre-back was at fault for Italy’s goal. He was not quick enough when he stepped up in an attempt to win possession and England’s defensive shape disappeared. 6
Luke Shaw (LB): The left-back snapped into challenges and dominated his flank. But everything changed after he was booked for time-wasting. He soon picked up a second yellow for fouling Retegui. 6
Declan Rice (CM): The West Ham captain answered criticism from Graeme Souness by opening the scoring. He later produced a superb tackle to deny Barella. Furious to be booked for time-wasting. Stood firm when England were under the cosh. 8
Kalvin Phillips (CM): The midfielder has not started a league game for Manchester City this season and he looked rusty at times. But he dug in when England were down to 10 men. 7
Jude Bellingham (CM): A rare talent. The 19-year-old bossed midfield from the start, driving forward to force a save from Donnarumma. Too strong for the Italians and the ball always seemed to be glued to his feet. 8
Bukayo Saka (RW) Italy did not know what to do against the youngster’s speed and incisive dribbling. Saka’s corners also led to England’s first two goals. 7
Harry Kane (CF) It had to be a penalty. The captain buried his World Cup heartache by finishing from 12 yards to make it 2-0 and become England’s record goalscorer. Kane also led the line brilliantly. 8
Jack Grealish (LW) The winger was lively during the first half but missed an open goal and was sloppy in possession at times. His substitution was predictable. 6
Substitutes: Phil Foden Had to be sacrificed after Shaw was sent off 6; Kieran Trippier 6; Reece James 6; Conor Gallagher 6
