England Squad Ranking - Part 2

Who was the stand out performer in France and who should join Roy in retirement from England duty ?








For Part 1 see : http://footyblogsforyou.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/england-squad-rankings-who-was-stand.html






14) Jordan Henderson :
      Notable Input : A solid five minute performance against Slovakia otherwise littered with mistakes.
      The Liverpool Skipper had suffered from an injury which stopped him from featuring towards the end of the Merseyside club's season. By consequence Henderson's fitness levels were under analysis since he took up a spot many felt was destined for Danny Drinkwater. Henderson started against Slovakia however he was rather sloppy in the fact his crosses rarely beat the first man and possession was conceded often. However he did register a couple of decent shots and showed promise at times, yet his overall performance was not of any threat to Rooney, Dier or Alli's midfield slots and as a result he was not used again.






13) Ryan Bertrand :
      Notable Input : A distinctly average performance against a distinctly average Slovakian winger.
      Bertrand has been one of Southampton's most consistent players this season however he put in a far from composed display as he was booked and uncertain in possession throughout the game. Bertrand will hope to try and out perform the Spurs full back in Danny Rose in the coming season in order to pip him to the starting spot.






12) Gary Cahill :
      Notable Input : A lack of concentration and poor positioning resulted in the Icelandic winner.
      Cahill has had very little to do in all four matches in the Euros, however England only managed to keep a single clean sheet. Cahill can't be faulted in the Russia or Wales match as he showed a composed figure who was more than capable of winning possession and then carrying the ball forward. Yet against Iceland Cahill was nowhere to be seen when the Icelandic strike force casually flicked the ball around the edge of the box before slotting home. Cahill was not tight enough to his man and ultimately cost England defensively, however this minor mistake should not dent what has been a solid overall display.








11) Chris Smalling  :
      Notable Input : A dreadful moment of miscommunication against Slovakia and an unconvincing performance vs Iceland suggested Smalling is not quite the rock in England's defence.
     The English central defensive partnership has been fairly secure however at the same time far from impregnable this tournament. Smalling has coped well alongside Cahil in handling strikers such as Dzubya and also Bale, yet he could have done more to prevent the Icelandic second.   Smalling is destined to play in the England set up for years to come and this tournament does not suggest he's incapable however there is certainly room for improvement.


10) Dele Alli :
      Notable Input : A lack of composure resulting in a handful of missed chances - a poor header vs Russia, blazing over vs Iceland etc.
     For a player with 21 goals and assists last season Alli was underwhelming at the Euros as he only managed to register one assist with a fortunate flick to Sturridge against Wales. Alli was often missing the spark which he possessed earlier in the season, no better encapsulated than in his remarkable performance in a friendly vs Germany where he danced round players with ease. Whilst Alli did provide a drive and sense of attacking purpose his final product was lacking whether it be hisfinish or through ball. Perhaps pressure and expectation on the 20 year old was too excessive and took away his confidence to not play it safe and take on players. Alli is clearly one of, if not the most technically gifted player in the England set up and is sure to progress for future tournaments.


9) Marcus Rashford :
    Notable input : Dribbled past the most players against Iceland (3)  - despite playing for only 5 minutes.
   The Man United winger/striker featured on the left wing on two occasions in France. Rashford showcased his pace and ball control against the Welsh full back Gunter and terrorized the Icelandic defence - all be it for a couple of minutes. Rashford will feel disappointed not to have played more, especially given the woeful performances on Kane and Sterling. The 18 year old surpassed all expectations in France and looks to have cemented a spot in the England squad for the time being.


8) Nathaniel Clyne :
    Notable Input : A committed and exciting display against Slovakia which challenged Walker's position as starting right back.
   Clyne brought pace and desire to the English attack and earned the MOTM award deservedly against a defensive Slovakia. Clyne was unfortunate not to have scored and linked up well with the likes of Henderson and Lallana to create a handful of half-chances. Given Clyne's better defensive qualities it would be unsurprising if he was rotated with Walker as starting full back in the World Cup qualifiers starting in September.


7) Jamie Vardy :
    Notable Input : Scored an important equaliser against Wales.
    The Leicester man showed his clinical prowess against the Welsh when he netted from six yards out to spark a comeback in England's only win of the tournament. Vardy's pace caused problems against Slovakia, he missed a one and one and unfortunately grew less effective as Slovakia dropped deeper and deeper as the game wore on. He featured as an impact sub against Iceland however did not get on the ball enough and failed to link well with Kane. Vardy will be disappointed  since England were often facing defensive sides where his pace was less effective.


6)  Danny Rose :
     Notable Input : Constant overlapping of Sterling and a desire to get forward.
     Rose has done himself justice and for the time being cemented the left back spot as his own. The Tottenham defender got forward at every opportunity, especially when sides decided to sit back and let England try and break them down. However Rose is less effective in the air than the more imposing Bertrand which may make the Southampton man a more suitable choice in the future as Rose's defensive qualities weren't heavily tested.


5) Adam Lallana
     Notable Input : Presented himself as England's most creative player at the Euros
     Lallana delivered a classic Lallana performance three times over at the Euros. In each group match he started brightly, drifting past players, linking up well with teammates and finding himself in excellent positions. However as usual Lallana lacked a cutting edge and was guilty of wasting chances frequently, he screwed a shot wide vs Russia and could only hit it straight at the keeper against Slovakia. Furthermore the Liverpool playmaker struggled to maintain his fruitful performances and seemed to run out of energy as the game wore on. Overall Lallana offered a spark and shows great potential in an England shirt.






FURTHER RATINGS TO FOLLOW