Kenya Sport

England Player Ratings After World Cup Semi-Final Loss to Argentina

England's World Cup hopes ended in disappointment following their semi-final loss to Argentina on Wednesday night. Despite holding a late lead, the Three Lions could not withstand Argentina’s relentless push, as the reigning champions turned the match around in Atlanta.

How England Players Fared

  • Jordan Pickford – 7: Some may blame him for Argentina’s equalizer, but Enzo Fernandez’s strike found a narrow gap through a crowd. Pickford had earlier kept England ahead with a sharp low save from Nico Gonzalez.
  • Reece James – 6: Delivered a dependable performance without producing the creative spark expected. Defensively solid and not beaten one-on-one before his substitution.
  • John Stones – 6: Started for his experience as England tried to hold firm. Produced a crucial clearing header at a key moment. Questions linger whether he could have marked Lautaro Martinez more tightly for the decisive goal.
  • Marc Guehi – 6: Mostly composed, though faced challenges when England dropped deep into defense.
  • Djed Spence – 8: England’s standout performer. Provided attacking outlets with confident dribbling and dazzling nutmegs. His recovery tackle on Simeone was exceptional. Left the tournament with a strong reputation.
  • Elliot Anderson – 7: Active from the start, often targeted by Argentina’s aggressive style. Tasked with marking Messi and received a caution for a robust challenge on the veteran. Maintained composure and contributed well.
  • Declan Rice – 6: Showed energy typical of him but seemed off his best form throughout the tournament. A break might do him good.
  • Morgan Rogers – 6: Had moments of influence including a superb cross for Gordon’s goal but was inconsistent in involvement.
  • Jude Bellingham – 6: Stayed calm despite clear efforts to unsettle him. Has been excellent in the tournament overall but couldn’t impact this game as much, partly due to England's defensive posture after taking the lead.
  • Anthony Gordon – 7: Scored confidently and led England’s pressing. Linked well with Djed Spence during attacks.
  • Harry Kane – 6: Struggled to find rhythm and dropped deep looking for touches, which limited England’s attacking threat. Did not register a single touch inside Argentina’s penalty area.

Substitutes

  • Ezri Konsa – 6: Came on as England tried to protect their lead but was powerless to halt Argentina’s surge.
  • Nico O’Reilly – 6: Added energy to midfield when England had little hope of pushing forward. Deserves rest after a demanding season.
  • Dan Burn – 6: Brought in to defend but ended up pushing forward in attack, an unusual role compared to his previous exploits.
  • Ivan Toney – N/A: Played only a few minutes, too brief to make an impact.
  • Marcus Rashford – N/A: Introduced late as England searched for an equalizer. Showed some promise with one bright run.

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