Giacomo Raspadori scored a brilliant goal to convict Gareth Southgate‘s side to their fifth game without a win, on a night where England struggled for firepower.
here’s how Gareth Southgate‘s side judged on the San Siro…
Nick Pope 6
Hardly worked and without a chance with goal but clearly lacks the ability on the ball of Jordan Pickford or Aaron Ramsdale. Especially the long passing was more hopeful than focused.
Kyle Walker 4
Bizarre inability to first catch the ball for much of the first half slowed England’s play from the back. Bad for goal twice, first by being caught under high ball and then slowing to Raspadori.
Eric Dier 6
Looked calm and confident in the heart of the first three on the first gig in England in the best part of two years. Didn’t have a decent head chance, but made a crucial play in their own penalty area to deny Acerbi.
Harry Maguire 6
Gaining huge confidence from Gareth Southgate this week, he got off to a shaky start but recovered to do well, especially considering he was often exposed by Saka’s forward raids.
Reece James 5
A bad night for the Chelsea man, whose delivery and set pieces were not up to the usual standard. The right-back seems to be the man in possession of the ball, but England is known to have no shortage of options.
Declan Rice 7
Killed the danger with some vital interceptions in the first half. Has more defensive responsibility along with Bellingham than Kalvin Phillips, but has the ability and athleticism to take it on.
Jude Bellingham 7
England’s best player, which should come as no surprise to anyone. Brings much needed positivity and dynamism.
Bukayo Saka 5
Worth experimenting with as a left-back given Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell’s troubles, but he looked like a man who hasn’t played in the position – or even that wing – in a while.
Phil Foden 6
Some clear cuts and England’s best moments in the dull first half came when he linked up with Bellingham. Unlocking his creativity remains key, as Three Lions’ no-goal run from open play lasted well past 400 minutes.
Harry Kane 6
Decision making at times when England’s front three broke free, but some fine details fell in midfield. He caught a nasty one in the chops and then went closest to the leveler when he hammered on Donnarumma from a tight angle.
Raheem Sterling 5
Careless in possession at times in the own goal, which put England under pressure. Still dangerous in rare cases able to run after.
deputies
Luke Shaw (Walker 72′)
Brought in as a natural left-back when England switched to back-four after the opening game in Italy.
Jack Grealish (from 72′)
Spoke this week about the impact he can have as a super sub and forwarded to bid it again. However, he spent most of his cameo on the floor, having been the target of Italian challenges.
unused: Ramsdale, Henderson, Trippier, Tomori, Coady, Alexander-Arnold, Ward-Prowse, Mount, Bowen, Abraham