How did England players rate during the World Cup?
How did England players rate during – England concluded their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off, securing a podium finish after a dramatic tournament. BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell provided assessments of individual performances across the competition, highlighting standout moments and areas for improvement.
Jude Bellingham
The 21-year-old midfielder emerged as a pivotal figure for England, showcasing exceptional skill and composure throughout the tournament. His six-goal tally and leadership on the field made him a key asset, though the final stage of the competition saw him elevate his game to new heights.
Jordan Pickford
Everton’s goalkeeper, Pickford, was England’s first-choice in goal but faced challenges during the tournament. While he delivered a strong performance in the semi-final against Argentina, moments of inconsistency, including conceding Enzo Fernandez’s goal, raised questions about his readiness for high-pressure matches.
Dean Henderson
Henderson, the second-choice keeper, made his debut in the bronze-medal match against France. His heroics included a crucial stop on Kylian Mbappe, but the defensive lapses that led to four goals conceded left room for critique of his tournament performance.
James Trafford
As the third-choice goalkeeper, Trafford gained valuable exposure during the World Cup. Though he didn’t feature prominently, his participation provided a platform to build experience at a major international event.
Ezri Konsa
Konsa was a consistent presence in England’s defense, adapting seamlessly to both center-back and right-back roles. His versatility and reliability were key, culminating in a goal during the third-place match to seal his contributions.
John Stones
Stones’ inclusion in the squad was a calculated risk due to his fitness concerns. He started the opening game but had shaky moments, later returning for critical matches against Norway and Argentina. Despite a strong showing, he was vulnerable to Lautaro Martinez’s decisive strike.
Marc Guehi
Guehi was a reliable backline stalwart, offering calmness and quality in major fixtures. His substitute appearance in the quarter-final against Norway, where he neutralized Erling Haaland, underscored his importance to the team’s defensive strategy.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah’s call-up as a replacement for Tino Livramento sparked debate over England’s full-back depth. He made his mark in the final game against France, stepping onto the pitch in the closing stages of a memorable match.
Jarell Quansah
Quansah made his World Cup debut as a surprise inclusion in the 26-man squad. Despite early setbacks—such as injury and a red card against Mexico—he demonstrated potential as a full-back, contributing to England’s campaign with renewed energy in the third-place play-off.
Reece James
James, the Chelsea captain, tackled fitness concerns with determination. After missing three games due to a hamstring injury, he rebounded with strong performances in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, displaying his value as a right-back.
Djed Spence
Spence was a revelation, offering versatility across left and right-back positions. His two standout displays in the quarter-final and semi-final, coupled with a penalty-saving moment against France, highlighted his readiness for top-tier competition.
Declan Rice
Rice overcame fitness issues to anchor England’s midfield. He started the quarter-final after illness and captained the team in the third-place play-off, scoring and assisting in a high-stakes match. His physical presence was undeniable, though his possession stats were not his strongest.
Nico O’Reilly
O’Reilly, a relative unknown at the start, adapted quickly to the World Cup’s demands. His first-choice left-back role since November allowed him to feature in five of eight matches, proving his capability with tactical awareness, though defensive improvements remain a target.
“Boring” was how the Chelsea captain described the ongoing discussions about his fitness, yet his resilience and performance in key games spoke volumes about his importance to the team.
