Euro 2024 qualifying: England player ratings after victory over Italy

Planet Sport writer
18 October 2023

England's Jude Bellingham shakes hands with manager Gareth Southgate - Oct 2023

England secured their place at Euro 2024 with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley and we take a look at how each of Gareth Southgate's men performed.

Jordan Pickford: Could do nothing about the opening goal of the game but a decent low save and good distribution meant a decent night’s work for England’s undoubted number one. 7 (out of 10).

Kyle Walker: Said on the eve of the game he wants to play for England “forever” and despite the fierce competition he has the right-back berth on lockdown and showed why again with a strong display. 7.

John Stones: Solid hour or so for the fit-again Manchester City man, who was as composed on the ball as ever. 7.

Harry Maguire A few nervy touches but retains the backing of Gareth Southgate, although surely needs more club minutes heading into the Euros. 6.

Kieran Trippier: Mr Dependable in the England side and deployed at left-back once again, set-piece delivery on point too. 7.

Kalvin Phillips: In the same position as Maguire in terms of being down the pecking order for his club but put in a workmanlike shift and appears ahead of other midfield options at present. 7.

Declan Rice Has been in fine form for his club and kept things ticking over here. 7.

Jude Bellingham: The 20-year-old has been lighting up the Bernabeu for Real Madrid and was a cut above the rest here, providing two assists in another eye-catching display. 9.

Phil Foden: Flitted in and out of the game and arguably still behind Bukayo Saka as the option on the right wing. 6.

Marcus Rashford: Struggling for form at Manchester United so will have enjoyed getting on the scoresheet after a lively showing. 7.

Harry Kane: The captain now has 61 England goals after levelling from the penalty spot and hitting a fine third to lead his nation into next summer’s finals. 8.

Substitutes:

Marc Guehi (for Stones, 63): Clearly the back-up to Southgate’s first-choice centre-back pairing and trusted to see out the final third of the contest here. 6.

Jordan Henderson (for Phillips, 70): Only a smattering of jeers greeted the Al-Ettifaq midfielder’s introduction as he shored things up with his experience. 6.

Jack Grealish (for Bellingham, 85): Late cameo for the Manchester City winger. N/A.