Ireland's stunning 3-2 victory over England at Wembley Stadium sent shockwaves through the footballing world. While the final scoreline speaks volumes, a deeper dive into individual performances reveals a compelling narrative of Irish dominance punctuated by moments of English brilliance. Here's a breakdown of the match ratings:
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Gavin Bazunu (GK): 8.5: Bazunu was sensational, making several crucial saves, particularly in the second half, to deny England's attacking threats. His commanding presence and shot-stopping ability were vital to Ireland’s victory. He was a true leader at the back.
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Seamus Coleman (RB): 7.0: A solid performance from the veteran captain. While not spectacular going forward, he defended diligently and provided a calming influence on the right flank, neutralizing England's attacks effectively.
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John Egan (CB): 8.0: Egan was a rock at the heart of the Irish defense. His aerial prowess and timely tackles disrupted England's rhythm and prevented numerous scoring opportunities. A commanding performance.
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Nathan Collins (CB): 7.5: Alongside Egan, Collins formed a formidable partnership. His pace and reading of the game were key in neutralizing England's fast-paced attack. A few nervy moments, but overall a strong contribution.
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Matt Doherty (LB): 7.0: Doherty offered attacking impetus from the left, creating opportunities and providing an outlet. His defensive work was solid, albeit less dominant than his colleagues in the backline.
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Josh Cullen (CM): 7.5: Cullen controlled the midfield battle, dictating the tempo and providing crucial interceptions. His distribution was sharp, setting the platform for Ireland's attacking forays.
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Jayson Molumby (CM): 8.0: Molumby was the standout midfielder for Ireland. His tireless running, aggressive tackling, and crucial passes were instrumental in Ireland's control of the midfield. A true engine in the heart of the team.
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Callum O'Dowda (RW): 7.5: O'Dowda provided a constant threat down the right wing. His pace and dribbling skills caused England's defense problems, leading to several key moments.
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Evan Ferguson (ST): 9.0: The man of the match. Ferguson's two goals were a testament to his composure and clinical finishing. He also contributed significantly to Ireland's overall attacking play, holding the ball up well and creating space for his teammates.
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Michael Obafemi (LW): 7.5: Obafemi was a menace on the left, constantly running at the England defense. His goal was a moment of brilliance, highlighting his talent.
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Troy Parrott (Sub): 6.5: Came on late and made a positive impact, helping to see out the game.
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Jordan Pickford (GK): 6.0: Pickford had little chance with two of the goals but could have done better with at least one. A disappointing performance given the pressure on the team.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB): 6.0: Struggled defensively against Ireland's attacks. His attacking contributions were limited.
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John Stones (CB): 5.5: Looked vulnerable at times and struggled to deal with Ireland’s physicality.
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Harry Maguire (CB): 5.0: A disappointing performance, particularly in the air. He looked out of sorts and struggled to cope with the pace of Ireland's attack.
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Luke Shaw (LB): 6.5: Offered the most attacking threat from England's defence. His crosses were a feature, but overall defensively inconsistent.
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Declan Rice (CM): 6.0: Couldn't exert the same midfield dominance he usually displays, overshadowed by Molumby and Cullen.
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Jude Bellingham (CM): 7.0: England's best player on the night, showcasing his talent despite the team’s overall struggles. His energy and creativity were a positive for England, though unable to entirely change the game.
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Bukayo Saka (RW): 6.5: A few dangerous moments but ultimately unable to make a significant impact.
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Harry Kane (ST): 6.0: Failed to find the back of the net and looked frustrated throughout the match. His link-up play was also below his usual standard.
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Marcus Rashford (LW): 5.5: Quiet and ineffective, offering little in terms of goal threat or creativity.
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Substitutes: Mostly had little time to make an impact.
The match ratings reflect a clear Irish dominance. While England showed glimpses of their potential, Ireland's superior organization, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance secured a memorable victory. The performance of players like Ferguson, Molumby, and Bazunu were instrumental in securing a famous win at Wembley. England, on the other hand, will need to reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement. This match served as a reminder that in football, anything is possible on any given day.