TNT Sports
England ratings and analysis: Marcus Rashford a rare bright spot in England's prosaic second string
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Published 07/06/2018 at 23:11 GMT+1
Alexander Netherton watched Marcus Rashford impress as the rest of England's side struggled to impose themselves on Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up match at Elland Road.
Cristian Gamboa of Costa Rica tackles Marcus Rashford of England during the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7, 2018 in Leeds, England.
Image credit: TNT Sports
Marcus Rashford showed the player he can be at his best with a match-winning performance against Costa Rica.
He was a constant threat down the left channel, teaming up well with Danny Rose and Fabian Delph, and scored with a brilliant, swerving individual strike from distance, displaying a confidence that had been lacking for months in his recent time at Old Trafford.
REPORT: Rashford scores screamer as England win final warm-up game
The second-string side were comfortable on the ball, but did not put Costa Rica to the sword in the way that they might be required to in order to finish above Belgium in the group stage in Russia.
There must remain concerns about the reliability of defence where John Stones, Phil Jones and Harry Maguire were alternately lumbering and absent-minded.
THE FORMATION
Sticking with England’s 3-5-2 formation, but swapping players, made sure every player has a chance to learn the system.
Perhaps anticipating having most of the ball in their Group G games against Panama and Tunisia, England pressed the defenders when they had the chance, but sat back in their own half, ready to launch counter-attacks.
The approach saw Alexnader Alexander-Arnold and Rashford behind the defence on occasion, but they struggled to open up the opposition regularly.
THE VERDICT ON SOUTHGATE
Gareth Southgate sensibly kept to the same formation. England’s players are not especially tactically adept, so better that they learn one system and execute it well, than be able to play in a few ways and do none of them competently.
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Gareth Southgate, manager of England looks on after the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7, 2018 in Leeds, England.
Image credit: TNT Sports
Some of the players at England’s disposal need plenty more top level experience if they are to meet their potential, but with the way the Premier League is stocked with foreign players, Southgate has no option but to compromise.
Southgate has made few obviously wrong decisions in his time as manager, something that can hardly be said for the last few coaches who have come before him.
PLAYER RATINGS
Goalkeeper: Jack Butland - 6
Butland seems a contender to take the number one spot from Jordan Pickford, if there are any doubts about the Everton man. Unsurprisingly, he had little to do, but was alive to the threat from a shot from distance midway through the first half.
Right wing-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6
He was an attacking, but conservative presence as a wing-back on the right side of the pitch. A couple of decent crosses were offered, but he couldn’t connect with another England player despite his best efforts. His experience with Liverpool has given him an attacking bent that England may well need.
Central defender: Phil Jones - 6
He advanced high up the pitch in the early stages and absolutely smacked a pass out wide when a better footballer would have guided it carefully. He was largely untroubled at the back, but demonstrated why, with his awkwardness on the ball, he is more of a worry than someone to rely upon.
Central defender: Harry Maguire - 5
Like Jones, he is woefully clod-footed, and his size reduces his mobility. On one occasion, he passed straight to an opponent under no pressure at all. England can't keep fielding central defenders from the 1970s if they hope to achieve something impressive.
Central defender: John Stones - 6
Manchester City’s forgotten man showed why he isn’t trusted by Pep Guardiola. He was pulled out of position while watching Costa Rica prepare for a throw-in, and failed to recover, allowing the opposition their only real chance of the first half. Nothing about his attitude suggested he will displace Gareth Southgate’s preferred three.
Left wing-back: Danny Rose - 7
Rose was a constructive part of the Rashford-Delph-Rose trio on the left hand side which gave England most of their attacking thrust. He nipped in to steal position with decent anticipation, and provided options high up the pitch. He had nothing to do defensively, and was cheered on by the Leeds crowd, where he started his career.
Midfielder: Fabian Delph - 7
He was given a chance in midfield, a contrast from his usual job on the left of defence for Manchester City. He did nothing wrong, and offered a few tempting set pieces, but it is clear why Pep Guardiola uses him because he has to. Not because there is anything amazing about his talent.
Midfielder: Jordan Henderson - 6
The Liverpool midfielder showed much of what you would expect from him. There were a few searching passes over the top for forwards and wingers to chase, but none of them opened up a fairly limited Costa Rica side. He covered lots of ground, and was a handy defensive presence. Reliable, but nothing to be excited about.
Midfielder: Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 6
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Marcus Rashford of England celebrates with Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7, 2018 in Leeds, England
Image credit: Getty Images
There should be high hopes for Loftus-Cheek, and he could well dominate England’s midfield for some years to come. There was crisp passing, some clever fouls bought in midfield, and his size allows him to shrug off opponents even if it does attract over-zealous punishment from officials. However, he didn’t excel against a limited team tonight, and will remain a back-up option for now.
Striker: Jamie Vardy - 6
Vardy failed to convert the one good chance he had, controlling a high ball in the box before hooking a shot straight at Keylor Navas. He didn’t chase defenders like his partner Marcus Rashford. Nor did he offer himself up as he usually does at Leicester. He is now well behind Harry Kane when it comes to leading England’s attack. A target man, he failed to get on the end of any crosses.
Striker: Marcus Rashford - 8
Rashford did everything well. His goal was remarkable, a sign of confidence that was not apparent in his more recent appearances under Jose Mourinho. He pressed, he chipped cleverly for his team-mates to chase, and he showed neat, adept control. He is a wonderful hope for the England side, and seems happy away from his club.
SUBS:
Striker: Danny Welbeck - 7
Welbeck came on for the last half an hour, and is the only outfield player not to have started one of the two friendlies used for World Cup preparation. His diving header showed excellent anticipation, highlighting his ability to finish well when he doesn’t have chance to think.
Midfielder: Dele Alli - 7
A brief appearance pick out Welbeck for England’s second goal, and he could be a vital part of England’s challenge as they struggle for flair, creativity and technical talent.
Right wing-back: Kieran Trippier - 6
Trippier was given the chance to send a free kick curling wide of goal.
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Danny Welbeck of England celebrate with Kieran Trippier of England after Danny Welbeck scored their sides second goal during the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7, 2018 in Leeds, England.
Image credit: TNT Sports
Winger: Jesse Lingard - 6
Lingard had little chance to do anything in the last half an hour, but he showed none of his usual initiative.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope - 6
He had almost nothing to do, just like Butland, but he was unflappable when a fierce shot was hit at him from a tight angle. He is bringing his club form into the World Cup, which will keep competition high amongst the squad.
Central defender: Gary Cahill - 6
Under no pressure, he kept calm and had nothing to do.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
That is the question, because there is no obvious answer. Southgate is a better manager than Roy Hodgson, and is less committed to boring thinking than Sam Allardyce, but he still has the same players to choose from.
They will benefit from dropping Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney, but tonight demonstrated just how few excellent players England have. There is little indication England have learned enough to outperform. Yet, at least.
We await the opening match of the World Cup against Tunisia on June 18 in Volgograd to discover if England are equipped to embark upon a run at football's greatest tournament.
Alexander Netherton @lxndrnthrtn
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