For the third time in his England career Ollie Watkins found the back of the net to give the hosts a narrow win at Wembley. The performance, however, was less than stellar and with Italy to come on Tuesday in the Euro 2024 qualifier it wasn’t the sort of night to imbue a lot of confidence in the side.
So who put their hand up for a starting spot against the Italians and who had a night to forget? Mike McGrath ran the rule over Gareth Southgate’s team.
England (4-2-3-1)
Sam Johnstone
First appearance in two years. Excellent save to deny Baccus’ deflected effort which was heading for the top corner, then at the near post for Goodwin’s shot. **7/10 **
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Without the ball he was in his right-back position but in possession played as an “inverted full-back” in the middle of the park and tried to pick out passes. **6/10 **
Fikayo Tomori
Duke lost him in the first half and should have scored with his well-struck volley. Did not make errors although England looked shaky in general at times. 6/10
Lewis Dunk
Saved a certain goal with a clearance off the line to deny Strain, which saw the Brighton defender race back and position himself perfectly with Johnstone beaten. **7/10 **
Levi Colwill
Got involved in a shoving match with Baccus and picked up a yellow card. Looks comfortable at left-back, where he plays for Chelsea, and could be useful back-up. BOOKED. **6/10 **
Conor Gallagher
Threw himself into tackles which could have seen him sent off or injured. One of the challenges got him a yellow. Plenty of energy in the midfield. BOOKED. **5/10 **
Jordan Henderson
Booed off by parts of the crowd when subbed. Teeming rain was very different to conditions in Saudi Arabia. Kept the ball moving but could have been more positive. **5/10 **
Jarrod Bowen
Good work in the first half when he set Gallagher away. Also had a header over the bar. It was his first cap in over a year and he gives Southgate options on the wings. **6/10 **
James Maddison
Guilty of a spectacular slice when a shot went for a throw-in but he could blame a bobble. Through-ball to Watkins in the first half set up a good chance. **6/10 **
Jack Grealish
Got his assist with an effort that flashed across the face of goal. Kept running at his opponents in the difficult conditions as he works his way back to full fitness. **6/10 **
Ollie Watkins
Goals in consecutive England caps, 563 days apart. He tapped in from a yard out, insisting to Grealish that his effort was going wide. Hit the post earlier and took a blow to head in first minute. MAN OF THE MATCH 7/10
Subs: Rashford 61 (Grealish), Henderson 61 (Trippier), Gallagher 61 (Phillips), Stones 61 (Tomori), Foden 73 (Maddison), Nketiah 73 (Watkins)
Not used: Ramsdale (g), Pickford (g), Maguire, Walker, Guehi, Rice, Kane, Bellingham
