England player ratings: Kane continues England scoring streak but Hudon-Odoi struggles vs Kosovo
ENGLAND capped off their Euro 2020 qualification with a late hammering at Kosovo. Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks bagged his first goal for the Three Lions in the first-half, but Gareth Southgate’s men looked overran in midfield at times. Late goals from Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and another international first, this time for Mason Mount, left […]
ENGLAND capped off their Euro 2020 qualification with a late hammering at Kosovo.
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks bagged his first goal for the Three Lions in the first-half, but Gareth Southgate’s men looked overran in midfield at times.
Late goals from Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and another international first, this time for Mason Mount, left Kosovo on the end of a Flattering result for England.
Here’s how Charlie Wyett rated the performances of Southgate’s players.
Nick Pope – 6
Only his second cap for England. Made an early save from Sheffield Wednesday striker Atdhe Nuhiu although like most of his other shots, it was a relatively straightforward gather although sometimes, the Burnley keeper struggled to stay on his feet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Not at his best. It was a relatively subdued performance – particularly going forward – and some of his deliveries was surprisingly poor. But the fact he has started both of these qualifiers proves he is ahead of Kieran Trippier in the pecking order.
Harry Maguire – 6
Like the qualifier in Bulgaria, Maguire played on the right side of central defence although this is not a position he has played since he was at Hull and Sheffield United. Did not always look comfortable and Gareth Southgate should have played Fikayo Tomori here instead.
Tyrone Mings – 6
Struggled for an hour. He certainly deserved another run-out after handling himself so well on and off the pitch in Bulgaria but he endured a difficult game, particularly in the first half. He was beaten early on in the air by Nuhiu and some of his passing was sloppy.
Ben Chilwell – 7
Another polished display at left-back and now making this position his own. Delivery was good and his positional sense and tackling was outstanding. Only got caught out once in the second half but this is a player who is clearly ahead of Danny Rose.
Declan Rice – 6
Still looking to deliver the form of last season for club and country and this is a real worry. He played in the pivot position and he is England’s most gifted defensive midfielder. Equally, he remains inexperienced at this level and will only get better.
Harry Winks – 7
Qualify finish to open the scoring as England took the lead despite not dominating. Frozen out of Tottenham’s starting line-up for the last two games but once again given a chance to impress and will be satisfied although there is more to come.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
If anyone deserves a run in the team and a chance of playing at Euro2020, it is the injury-jinxed Liverpool midfielder. Helped create the goal for Winks which was his first England assist since September 2015 against San Marino. Tired in the second half.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Back in action after hs restaurant ruck with Joe Gomez but was certainly not at his sharpest. After an embarrassing week, Sterling would have preferred to have made a bigger impact but came alive near the end. Had England’s first shot on goal but his effort was turned way and played a part in both the second and third goals.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 5
Disappointing. Handed his third cap despite not starting regularly for Chelsea. A couple of nice moments in the first half but some of his passing could have been a lot better. Caused some problems with a run and shot in the second half and was then immediately replaced.
Harry Kane – 8
Got the goal he craved to ensure he has now scored in all eight qualifiers. What an incredible achievement this is for any international footballer. He worked hard even though he was feeds off scraps in the first half. Played a part in the build-up for the opening goal, had an effort hit the post and was never going to miss an easy chance. Then set up the fourth.
SUBS
Marcus Rashford (for Hudson Odoi 59 mins) – 7
Confident finish from Rashford for what was his 10th goal.
Mason Mount (for Oxlade-Chamberlain 73 mins) – 7
Mount enjoyed his goal after quick reactions to hammer home.
Tomori (for Alexander-Arnold 84 mins) – 6
Tomori playing for England in a qualifier means he cannot be poached by another nation.
