England player ratings: Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham impress as Three Lions edge Italy
- Planet Sport writer
- 23 March 2023
England kicked off their 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign by picking up their first win away in Italy since 1961.
Goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane helped the Three Lions to a rare 2-1 win in Naples.
England, who lost against Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, put on a good display in the opening 45 minutes before spending the majority of the second-half in their own half.
Here, we take a look at player ratings from England's first outing of 2023.
JORDAN PICKFORD - 6
Again has the faith of Gareth Southgate to begin a campaign as first choice and could do little about Mateo Retegui's goal.
KYLE WALKER - 6
Tested at times but is an experienced international these days and contributed in both halves of the pitch.
JOHN STONES - 7
Southgate likes his centre-back partnership and Stones did little wrong in Naples as he largely kept Italy's forward line quiet.
HARRY MAGUIRE - 5
Made two errors in the lead up to Italy's goal which will again bring fresh scrutiny on his continued selection.
LUKE SHAW - 5
Sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, one for time-wasting and the second for tripping Retegui.
DECLAN RICE - 7
Silenced some of his high-profile critics with the opening goal, just his third for England in 40 caps.
KALVIN PHILLIPS - 6
Whistled a shot wide in the first-half and looked rusty as the game progressed - unsurprising given his limited game time at Manchester City.
JUDE BELLINGHAM - 8
Stung the palms of Gianluigi Donnarumma early on as part of a commanding first-half display that, much like England in general, went off the boil as Italy rallied.
BUKAYO SAKA - 6
Made some incisive runs but was unable to carry his scintillating club form into a standout performance here.
JACK GREALISH - 6
Missed an open goal to put England 3-0 up before half-time but did show some good touches at times.
HARRY KANE - 7
Became England's record scorer and banished memories of his World Cup penalty miss when he doubled the lead by tucking home a spot-kick for his 54th goal.
PHIL FODEN (SUB) - 5
Had little chance to impact the game before being sacrificed following Shaw's red card.
KIERAN TRIPPIER (SUB) - 6
On to replace Shaw at left-back to help England see the game out.
REECE JAMES (SUB) - N/A
Another defensive switch to hold on to the advantage.
CONOR GALLAGHER (SUB) - N/A
A short cameo for the Chelsea midfielder as Southgate added fresh legs.
