Bellingham 8: England Player Ratings – A Dominant Display Against Ukraine
England cruised to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Ukraine in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley Stadium, and Jude Bellingham's performance once again stole the headlines. The young midfielder showcased his burgeoning talent, dictating the tempo of the game and demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. But while Bellingham shone brightly, how did the rest of the England squad fare? Let's delve into the individual player ratings:
Jude Bellingham (8/10): The standout performer. Bellingham's energy, dynamism, and tactical awareness were instrumental in England's dominance. He consistently disrupted Ukraine's attacks, winning back possession with intelligent tackles and interceptions. His passing was crisp and incisive, creating opportunities for his teammates, and his overall influence on the game was undeniable. While he didn't get on the scoresheet, his performance was arguably more impactful than any goal.
Harry Kane (7/10): The captain scored a crucial penalty, showcasing his reliability from the spot. While not at his most prolific best in open play, his hold-up play was effective, bringing others into the game. His leadership and experience were also vital in navigating the game's ebbs and flows.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Saka was a constant threat down the right flank, causing problems for the Ukrainian defense with his pace and dribbling skills. His tireless running and delivery into the box were key elements of England's attacking play. While he didn't find the net himself, his contribution was significant.
Declan Rice (7/10): Rice provided a solid defensive presence in midfield, shielding the backline effectively. His passing was accurate and helped to control the tempo of the game. He formed a strong partnership with Bellingham, offering a more defensive screen to allow Bellingham to flourish further up the pitch.
John Stones (7/10): Stones was composed and assured at the back, making crucial interceptions and clearances. His distribution was also impressive, helping England build attacks from the back. A reliable performance from the experienced centre-back.
Luke Shaw (6.5/10): Shaw provided a steady presence on the left side of the defense. He offered good support in attack, although his final ball could have been better on occasion. A solid, if unspectacular, performance.
Kyle Walker (6.5/10): Walker provided his usual experience and defensive solidity on the right. His pace and defensive awareness were crucial in limiting Ukraine's attacking threats. A dependable performance from the veteran full-back.
Jordan Henderson (6/10): Henderson offered energy and experience in midfield, but his impact wasn't as pronounced as Bellingham's or Rice's. He performed his duties diligently, but lacked the same creative spark.
Mason Mount (6/10): Mount showed glimpses of his quality, but lacked the consistency to truly influence the game. He worked hard but didn't have the same impact as some of his teammates. Needs to be more decisive in the final third.
Harry Maguire (6/10): Maguire had a solid but unspectacular game. He fulfilled his defensive duties competently but lacked the eye-catching moments of other players. A steady if uninspiring performance.
Aaron Ramsdale (6/10): Ramsdale had little to do for much of the game, but was alert when called upon, making a couple of important saves. A relatively quiet but competent performance.
Substitutes: The substitutes who came on had limited time to make a significant impact, but their contributions were positive in maintaining England's control.
Overall: England delivered a professional performance, with Bellingham’s exceptional display leading the charge. While not a flawless victory, the win demonstrated England's strength and depth within the squad, setting a positive tone for their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. The team's overall performance suggests a bright future, particularly with the continued development of players like Bellingham.