England Team
Joe Hart– 7/10
The Turin-based goalkeeper had a quiet night and his major role was in distributing the ball to his team mates. Was hardly tested by the Slovakians and bore the brunt of their frustration as Mak fouled him twice in quick succession. That was as much eventful as it got for the new Torino keeper.
Kyle Walker–8 /10
Made marauding runs down the right wing and delivered excellent crosses which flashed across the goal more than often for his liking. Showed ability with the ball and his constant endeavour to assist in attacking and tracking back showed that he has come a long way since his debut. Probably England’s man of the match.
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Gary Cahill– 7/10
One of the senior members of the squad, the Chelsea man guided the youthful defence beautifully. He played closer to Dier thus liberating Stones and allowing him to move forward more. Hardly looked troubled as he headed away crossed which came along his way. In fact, his assured presence encouraged the full backs to bomb forward.
John Stones– 7.5/10
The centre-half carried on his club form into the game and once England had the numerical advantage, Stones was at the heart of everything good about England. Almost came close to scoring what would have been a wonderful goal in the dying moments. Allardyce would have been more impressed with his defending especially the way he cut out the crosses.
Danny Rose– 7/10
A piece of awful defending almost threatened to spoil his evening, as an awful mix up almost led to Slovakia taking the lead. But as the game progressed Rose provided a constant threat down the left along with Lallana. The encouraging link-up play down that wing was also responsible for the goal. Defended and covered well when put under pressure.
Jordan Henderson– 7/10
Put in a workman like shift as has been expected from him. Kept on making lung-bursting runs and always tried to make himself available for a pass. Was the heartbeat of the team as he kept the game moving with his pass and move style. Laid off a brilliant ball for Adam Lallana before getting substituted.
Eric Dier–7 /10
Calm and collected, he never seemed to break out into a sweat nor did he ever look hurried. Kept the game ticking with his simple passes be it sideways or forward and simplified the way England played. Was penalised for being too physical but didn’t pick up any card.
Raheem Sterling– 8.5/10
Flashed wide and was a constant threat throughout the game and showed why he has been so highly rated by Guardiola. A constant threat on the right wing, he also created chances out of nothing, especially the cheeky lob which almost caught out the opposition keeper. Was substituted with 20 minutes to go which seemed a bit surprising as he was the best English player on display on the night.
Wayne Rooney– 7/10
Overtaking David Beckham for the most number of caps by an outfield player for England, the captain set the tone with some Hollywood style passes. Playing behind Kane, at times drifted in and out of the game. While he was subdued in the first half, he gradually took control as the game progressed and looked very composed.
Adam Lallana– 8/10
Showed silky touches and his close control was a delight to watch. Was the best attacker after Sterling and took over the attacks once Sterling was substituted. Had an excellent shot ricochet off the goal post and finally got his due in the last moments as he showed quick feet to astound the defenders and fire a shot through the keeper’s legs.
Harry Kane– 6.5/10
Early season blues continue to haunt the English striker as he failed to make contact with some of the crosses that fell into his path. Came alive once Skrtel was sent off as he started to make more inroads, still looked sluggish though and was replaced with 8 minutes to go. Allardyce will expect more from him if he is to be England’s first choice striker.
Substitutes:
Delle Alli – 6.5/10
Was responsible for bringing urgency to the England attack and took advantage of the extra space and time to create chances for his England compatriots. He added the zip which was missing and made use of his advanced position to trouble the Slovakian defence.
Theo Walcott -5.5 /10
Replaced Sterling and almost got himself on the score-sheet only for the goal to be ruled out as an offside. For a senior England international his performance lacked the finesse and at times lacked the drive. His touch and his shots were poor and will do well if he earns a recall to the English setup.
Daniel Sturridge -6 /10
The striker came on with only 10 minutes left in the game and immediately was in the middle of all the action. Sturridge almost scored and even had a shot on target which hardly tested Kozacik. The striker contributed by retaining possession of the ball in dangerous areas and will hope to get more game time in order to establish himself as the first-choice striker.
