England defeated rivals Wales with a stylish performance from Thomas Tuchel’s side. The German manager named England’s starting XI without a Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea player for the first time since June 1992, but that mattered little at Wembley as the hosts outscored the Red Dragons from the start and won eight in a row.
The Three Lions took the lead within 130 seconds thanks to Morgan Rogers, who scored his first goal since the Euro 2020 final. In the friendly, Aston Villa teammate Ollie Watkins doubled their lead in the 11th minute, and Bukayo Saka’s stunning goal nine minutes later made it 3-0. Despite making a ton of substitutions in the second half, the intensity waned. Express Sport rates England’s players for their comfortable victory under the arches…
England vs Wales player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 7
He touched the ball with his feet more than his hands. Early in the second half, David Brooks made a save with his feet to deny Chris Mepham’s header. The Everton goalkeeper has now set a new record for his country with eight consecutive clean sheets.
Jed Spence – 8
He linked up very well with Anthony Gordon on the left and was very impressive both on and off the ball. For the final 10 minutes, he moved to right-back. It was a remarkable performance considering it was only his second cap. I made a reservation.
Marc Gehi – 7
Did a great job on Rodgers’ goal, keeping the ball in play and finding teammates in space. Watkins almost got the nod before tapping to make it 2-0, perhaps his second assist of the night with just a touch. He is also reliable defensively, blocking a shot by Kiefer Moore in a highlight. I made a reservation.
John Stones – 7
He played for England for the first time in 12 months and contributed to the clean sheet. He won the header that led to Rodgers’ goal and, like Guehi, did a great job blocking Moore’s shot in the first half. He overcame an injury scare in the second half and continued to fight for 79 minutes. It’s a big boost to have him healthy again.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Despite all the hard work the Arsenal man did, he technically assisted Saka’s goal. Solid performance away from his best position.
Elliot Anderson – 8
He was good at recycling possession from his number six role and should have had an assist when Watkins fired wide from close range. Crucial to England’s complete and utter supremacy.
Declan Rice – 7
He captained the England national team for the first time and enjoyed the responsibility with dominant performances that stood out in all areas of the pitch. Some cracked corner delivery.
Bukayozaka – 8
His dangerous cross led to England’s second goal before he curled in an outrageous, unsaveable shot to make it 3-0. He was always a threat whether he cut inside or moved to the outside.
Morgan Rogers – 7
He took advantage of Gordon’s early chance and then produced a cute finish from a corner kick to score his first goal for England. He set up Watkins’ goal with a cross beyond the six-yard box, hitting the crossbar from close range after a second-half corner kick.
Anthony Gordon – 8
We were forced to make a very quick save to win the corner kick that led to the first goal. Relentless directness throughout and good combination play with Jed Spence. He initiated the movement that led to Saka’s goal, drawing defenders towards him. He continued to be a threat in the second half, almost scoring himself late on when he curled slightly wide.
Ollie Watkins – 6
He scored a goal from close range to make it 2-0, but missed his target and was injured when he collided with the post. He played until halftime, but was sent off midway through.
substitute
Marcus Rashford (Watkins 46) – 6
Submitted at halftime. There wasn’t much involvement from center forward.
Jordan Henderson (Anderson 69) – 6
As England’s strength waned, commands were yelled.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Rice 69) – 6
This is his first international appearance for England since November 2018.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Rogers 70) – 6
More touches and more international minutes for the midfielder.
Jarrod Bowen (Saka 70) – 6
A great pass left Gordon, but the shot was blocked.
Miles Lewis-Skelly (Stones 79) – N/A
Another cap for teenagers.
