England marched on in their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 5-3 win over Kosovo at St Mary’s on Tuesday night.
A brace for Jadon Sancho, an own-goal and further strikes from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane completed the Three Lions’ scoring by half-time, but their opponents did worry them with some calculated attacking play of their own.
The game saw some well-worked goals from both sides, but both defences struggled to deal with the pressure coming their way at times.
Here is how we rated England’s players on an entertaining evening on the South Coast:
Jordan Pickford, Goalkeeper – 6
A good close-range save in the first-half and good distribution throughout, but got a decent hand on Muriqi’s penalty and perhaps could have done better with it.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Right-Back – 6
Better going forward than back but not able to provide the same attacking outlet that he does for club side Liverpool
Michael Keane, Centre-Back – 3
Really poor mistake for Kosovo’s opener and could have been braver on the ball during the rest of the match.
Harry Maguire, Centre-Back – 5
Strong presence and tried to advance forward with the ball. Conceded debatable penalty and will be wondering whether Keane is his long-term partner or not.
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Ben Chilwell, Left-Back – 5
Quiet overall. Decent corner delivery but poor when in good crossing positions.
Declan Rice, Defensive-Midfield – 6
A busy display and economical on the ball, but could have used his passing ability to break defensive lines more.
Jordan Henderson, Central-Midfield – 5
Not bold enough on the ball when England needed some thrust in the second-half.
Ross Barkley, Central-Midfield – 6
Some good moments in the game but also some poor decisions on the ball. Got more involved as the game went on though.
Jadon Sancho, Right-Wing – 8
Created England’s third and scored the first goals of his international career. Comes alive when receiving the ball in and around the area and his teammates must remember this.
Raheem Sterling, Left-Wing – 9
Superb. A goal and three assists and was the man taking opponents on to break through lines of defence. Has really come alive on the international stage now.
Harry Kane, Striker – 6
Nice finish as England went ahead in the 19th minute, but will have been disappointed to see his second-half penalty saved.
Mason Mount, 1st Substitute – N/A
Not real time to have an impact on the game. Unlucky not to start given his form for Chelsea.
Marcus Rashford, 2nd Substitute – 6
Got at the Kosovo defence as soon as he came on and forced a good save from Muric.