England player ratings vs Italy: Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham stars as Kalvin Phillips struggles
Jordan Pickford-7
Just before half-time he made a crucial save to keep the score at 1-1, as he cut low and cleverly stopped Destiny Udogie’s shot with a strong left hand. He was also impressed with his feet as he played some nice long, accurate passes to set up attacks.
Kyle Walker-7
Italy has never known any joy on its side. The right-back is such a reliable part of the England defense and once again proved his experience and leadership in this win.
John Stones-6
In his first start since the Community Shield on August 6, Stones’ rustiness showed when he lost Gianluca Scamacca for Italy’s opening goal. But the Manchester City defender recovered well to grow into the match and learned from his Scamacca mistake to deny Davide Frattesi at the near post.
Harry Maguire-7
Harry Maguire put in a solid performance against Italy
Solid performance from the Manchester United defender. He was good on the ball and defended well, making a good block to stop a dangerous curling shot from Domenico Berardi in the first half.
A strong performance that was a great answer to his nightmare last time in an England shirt against Scotland in September.
Kieran Trippier-6
Playing from a left-back position, Trippier was targeted by Italy, with many of their attacks coming from the right. He struggled to cope at times in the first half, but the Newcastle captain was a lot more confident in the second period.
Declan Rice – 7
Tidy performance in the middle of the park, keeping out danger and dictating play from the base of midfield. Rarely put a foot wrong.
Kalvin Phillips-5
Kalvin Phillips had a hard time against Italy
He looked off the pace from the opening minute as he gave the ball away and then committed a reckless foul with a high boot. The midfielder was then shown a yellow card in the ninth minute for an ill-timed challenge on Frattesi. It was a tackle that epitomized his rusty display, and one that comes as no surprise given his lack of playing time at Manchester City.
Phil Foden-7
Bright display from the Manchester City winger. His alertness saw him pounce on a loose ball and force Udogie into a booking. Foden was more effective in the second half as he evaded Italy’s tiring defenders and linked up very well with Jude Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham-9
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Lee Hendrie was impressed by Jude Bellingham’s role in Marcus Rashford’s goal against Italy
An absolute cheat code.
The Real Madrid midfielder was in charge in this match and drove England to victory. There’s just an air of excitement whenever the 20-year-old gets the ball because the England fans know something good is about to happen.
Bellingham won the equalizer with a driving run that epitomized his dominant display. He then assisted England’s second goal, not only with his pass to Marcus Rashford, but also with an intelligent run to clear Udogie and create space for the striker to score.
He was at the heart of everything positive for England and deservedly received a standing ovation. What a special talent.
Marcus Rashford-8
This was more like last season’s Rashford. He produced a clinical finish to put England ahead in the second half and carried ample threat throughout the match. It felt like a much-needed performance for the Manchester United striker and it will boost his confidence around the world.
Harry Kane-9
England captain Harry Kane played an important role in the victory
Captain Fantastic delivered as he always does. He scored calmly from the spot to put England level and then became hugely influential in the second half when he dropped deep to cause Italy many problems.
But ultimately, Kane is a lethal number nine and his goal to seal victory proved it as he showed strength, composure and ruthlessness to put the game to bed and seal England’s Euro 2024 qualification.
Replacements
Marc Guehi-6
Stones came on in the 63rd minute. The Crystal Palace defender quickly got into the game, cleared the danger on a few occasions and then made a crucial block in stoppage time to prevent a powerful strike from Moise Kean.
Jordan Henderson-6
There was a much more positive reception for the ex-Liverpool captain this time after he was booed against Australia on Friday. There were some boos at the Al Ettifaq midfielder’s introduction as he replaced Phillips, but they were drowned out by cheers from the crowd.
Jack Grealish – N/A
Came on as a substitute for Bellingham in the 85th minute.
What’s next for England?
England are back in action next month to play their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers while hosting Malta at Wembley on November 17; starting at 7.45 pm.
Gareth Southgate’s side then end their Group C campaign with an away match against North Macedonia on November 20; starting at 7.45 pm.