S Poddar
We saw big performances from Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish as Lee Carsley took charge for the first time. The question now is: what’s Harry Kane’s excuse for his absence?
Jordan Pickford was rarely tested; he had just one save to make. He played one outstanding pass out to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the early stages, when most might have expected him to clear his lines long. Apart from that, limited involvement but efficiently so.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD: His first half contained a sensational 50-yard pass across the middle that split the centre-backs and landed Anthony Gordon. This was an excellent example of his risk-taking which is what we want to see from him in an England shirt. Alexander-Arnold popped up in midfield during the phase of play but also ambled back out to the wing to create crossing opportunities. His deliveries – from open play and set pieces – were firm of sure-footed, traits that have often deserted him under Gareth Southgate.
Marc Guehi had a relatively quiet game, only called upon to make routine interventions. He didn’t quite replicate the assured performances from Euro 2024, but his overall play was competent.
Harry Maguire was good and a couple of forays forward with perfect, weighted passes set up Anthony Gordon. This showed us again that his skill with the ball at his feet is often underrated. Also, Maguire was very good in defensive duels; he won all six of his challenges. His performance might just keep him in contention for future matches.
Levi Colwill didn’t have much impact at left-back. Neither advancing well nor adapting to being a centre-back of sorts, expansive in midfield. Defensively, though, he had his hands full with the main threat down his side, Chiedozie Ogbene.
Kobbie Mainoo was in fits and spurts. A couple of misplaced passes by him contributed to the overall struggles of England in the second half. Playing as a No.6, he didn’t quite fulfill the demands of the role that often created some defensive gaps.
Declan Rice, despite a muted celebration, was brilliant. More influence going forward than in the previous games, largely because of more freedom given to him. The Rice at the heart of that run from midfield got the opener, much like in his heyday at Arsenal and West Ham, with a great finish and had a big part to play in the second as he linked up with Mainoo and Bukayo Saka before laying off Jack Grealish. His contribution to this move was faultless, and it showed his attuning ability.
Saka was a constant menace, completing more dribbles than anyone else and laying on several enticing crosses. His decision-making was spot on throughout, whether it was the recycling of possession, beating defenders, creating chances, or having a shot. The only disappointment was missing that chance late on; otherwise, his contribution to the game was big.
The game brought out the skill of England’s rising stars, the problems presented without Kane. The team performed to their full potential and proved that they might just show promising performances in the future with this performance.
