England beat Slovenia 2-3 on Sunday, showing some of the strengths and weaknesses in this developing side.
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Goals from Jack Wilshere and Wayne Rooney were to thank for the victory, but how did the players’ performances match up?
GK) Joe Hart, 7
Couldn’t be blamed for either goal, with a point blank header and a one on one not what he should be dealing with. Was solid except from those moments.
RB) Phil Jones, 6
Was okay defensively, but doesn’t really offer enough when going forward to be playing at full-back. Makes you wonder why Nathaniel Clyne isn’t playing.
LB) Kieran Gibbs, 5
Shouldn’t have been beaten in the air for the second goal, but had a good game except for that. Will be interesting to see if Leighton Baines returns to the starting line up when fit.
CB) Chris Smalling, 4
Prefered to Phil Jagielka again, but made a big error for the first goal, and when you concede two against a side like Slovenia you have to be looking at your centre-backs’ performances.
CB) Gary Cahill, 4
Similarly to Smalling, the Chelsea should perhaps be more disappointed in himself because of his greater experience.
CM) Jack Wilshere, 9
A brilliant pair of goals from the Arsenal man, and he looks made for the role in front of the back four at the moment. Why doesn’t Arsene Wenger try him out there?
RCM) Jordan Henderson, 8
Was solid in the first half before moving to right back where he really impressed. Looked far more dangerous going forward than Jones, adding extra thrust to the team.
LCM) Fabian Delph, 8
Completes a great midfield performance, perhaps keeping his place in the side for the foreseeable future. His link up with Wilshere is developing well.
RW) Andros Townsend, 7
Still starting for England despite his low key season for Tottenham, but an unusually quiet game from the wideman. Didn’t look out of place in the team though.
LW) Raheem Sterling, 7
Should have scored early on, but looked far brighter in general away from the boos he is getting over here.
ST) Wayne Rooney, 8
Hard working as ever, the skipper lead from the front to score the all important winner. Only two more for the record now.
SUB) Adam Lallana, 8
A surprising replacement for the injured Jones at half time, and went on to be vital in the build up to both goals. A performance that gives hope for next season.
SUB) Theo Walcott, 7
Added extra pace to the front line which the opposition found difficult to deal with.
SUB) Nathaniel Clyne, 6
Didn’t have enough time to make an impact. Won’t have liked seeing Henderson and Jones both prefered to him at right back though.