{"id":39621,"date":"2026-07-17T16:25:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T16:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/17\/england-world-cup-player-evaluation-bellingham-shines-but-arsenal-duo-struggles-after-a-difficult-season\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T16:25:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T16:25:29","slug":"england-world-cup-player-evaluation-bellingham-shines-but-arsenal-duo-struggles-after-a-difficult-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/17\/england-world-cup-player-evaluation-bellingham-shines-but-arsenal-duo-struggles-after-a-difficult-season\/","title":{"rendered":"England World Cup player evaluation: Bellingham shines, but Arsenal duo struggles after a difficult season"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The following is the evaluation of England’s players at the World Cup.<\/p>\n
It was England’s third time to reach the semi-finals since winning the World Cup in 1966, and let’s not forget that they produced one of the most epic away games in Three Lions history, winning against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.<\/p>\n
There were several players who were outstanding throughout the seven important games. But there are probably players who could have done better.<\/p>\n
And, sadly, it reflects the tournament in England.<\/p>\nContent cannot be displayed without consent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
England player ratings<\/h3>\n
jordan pickford<\/p>\n
The high point was Mexico, but this was no vintage Pickford. He kept the defense nervous with the ball at his feet. He didn’t seem at ease. Could Enzo Fernandes’ game-tying goal against Argentina have been better? I thought this was unstoppable, but in previous tournaments I didn’t even ask him questions.<\/p>\n
It’s going to be an interesting time ahead, with James Trafford eyeing the number one spot.<\/p>\n
Rating: 6<\/p>\n
Reece James<\/p>\n
His tournaments have highlighted the difficulty in trusting him due to his fitness record, and it’s hard to argue that he was at his best when he was playing. He did not have a successful appearance and missed too many tournaments.<\/p>\n
Brimie, how frustrating it was to not start in the semi-final after playing so well in the previous games.<\/p>\n
Thomas Tuchel loved him for his tenacity, his ability to sense danger and he showed all of that. A great and often underrated defender.<\/p>\n
Rating: 7.5<\/p>\n
john stones<\/p>\n
The 2-1 break against Norway was scored by Peak’s John Stones. Those who criticize Alexander Soros are missing the point. The Stones gave him nowhere to go. It was an unbelievable defense.<\/p>\n
Having missed most of the season, he was rusty, but unlike James, his appearance was still completely justified. Someone is going to get a hell of a free transfer. Great man of England.<\/p>\n
His dressing room prank was also a belter.<\/p>\n
Rating: 7.5<\/p>\n
mark gehi<\/p>\n
It was a shock when he was left out of the squad for the opening game against Croatia. And, frankly, sometimes not playing makes your value to the team even clearer. It was the same with Guehi.<\/p>\n
It’s very calm, classy, \u200b\u200band calm. You can see why Man City went all out to sign him. He has a long career ahead of him in England. class act.<\/p>\n
Rating: 7.5<\/p>\n
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Marc Guehi celebrates England’s victory over Mexico (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Nico O’Reilly<\/p>\n
mixed bag. I’m not sure if he reached the heights he reached with Man City last season, but he was a solid, decent player.<\/p>\n
He was unlucky to be dropped a few times, which reflected a lack of cohesion on the left and served as a further reminder that he is not a natural full-back.<\/p>\n
Rating: 6<\/p>\n
Dan Byrne<\/p>\n
Dan Byrne summed it up. He said that if I didn’t play, England would go to the World Cup final. Sadly, he came around. for his heroics in Mexico (he never thought he would be given a minute) and as a last-gasp substitute. But he’s more of a cult figure than a class one.<\/p>\n
We love Burn because it gives us hope. That’s nice, but it’s also patronizing.<\/p>\n
Rating: 6<\/p>\n
Jarrell Quansah<\/p>\n
Defined by a red card in Mexico. Moments like that can be damaging to your team, and you become the bad guy if you lose. He’s a good player, a classy defender and a good centre-half.<\/p>\n
But he’s not a right-back.<\/p>\n
Rating: 5<\/p>\n
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Jarrell Quansah was sent off for this challenge on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Jed Spence<\/p>\n
He played the biggest game of his life against Argentina. He also made excellent substitute appearances against Croatia and Norway.<\/p>\n
This will be a huge boost to his confidence, career and future. His tackle in the second half against Argentina, where he celebrated as if he had scored a goal, was iconic. It was a shame that Lionel Messi had a seizure the moment he appeared. Spence vs Messi. No one would have dreamed of such a thing before the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Rating: 8<\/p>\n
Elliot Anderson<\/p>\n
It’s a good tournament. Completed a \u00a3116m move to Manchester City along the way, and suddenly he has cleared some doubts about his price. You are worth something someone is willing to pay for. He is top class.<\/p>\n
Great passing, incredible energy and an engine that never stops. He greatly enhanced his reputation.<\/p>\n
Rating: 8<\/p>\n
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Elliott Anderson reacts to England’s World Cup exit – but he had a great tournament (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Declan Rice<\/p>\n
His performance against Mexico was very impressive. But let’s be clear: the guy was running on empty, especially after getting food poisoning in Mexico.<\/p>\n
He needs a good vacation. It wasn’t his best tournament, but he never let England down.<\/p>\n
Rating: 7<\/p>\n
jordan henderson<\/p>\n
He made history by becoming the first England player to play in the Men’s World Cup. I ended up falling into an advertising warehouse and breaking my arm.<\/p>\n
Something he would like to forget. Improves morale.<\/p>\n
Rating: 5<\/p>\n
jude bellingham<\/p>\n
Where do I start? England’s best mile athlete. He was a national treasure, a reminder of what it meant to play for England and dominated the game.<\/p>\n
What a great tournament he had! Extraordinary. Pre-tournament nonsense about him not being a team player. He gave everything for the team.<\/p>\n
His level was off the charts. His performance in Mexico was the best of any English player I’ve seen live. His number of games was the highest since the ’66 team.<\/p>\n
Rating: 9.5<\/p>\n
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Jude Bellingham scored six goals for the Three Lions (Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
morgan rogers<\/p>\n
A player with a bit part role really but really elevated his status. Assisted Anthony Gordon’s goal in the semi-finals. His shot was deflected by the keeper, setting up Jude Bellingham in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n
Every time he appeared, he made a difference. His assist justified his appearance against Argentina.<\/p>\n
Rating: 7<\/p>\n
Eberechi Eze<\/p>\n
He didn’t get many chances, but I really liked him when he changed the dynamics of England’s midfield against Norway.<\/p>\n
Good inclusion overall. And you feel like he’s a very good guy even in that place.<\/p>\n
Rating: 6.5<\/p>\n
Bukayo Saka<\/p>\n
I consider Saka one of England’s top three players. He is very stable, very reliable and very good.<\/p>\n
This was not Bukayo Saka. He was far from healthy.<\/p>\n
He pushed himself to help Arsenal get over the line at the end of the season. It was unsuitable when we arrived \u2013 and we needed a vacation. I can’t imagine England not using Saka in the semi-finals. It shows how much he has struggled.<\/p>\n
Rating: 6<\/p>\n
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opinion<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Should England sack manager Thomas Tuchel? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.<\/p>\n
Noni Madueke<\/p>\n
It was a really disappointing tournament. He was great off the bench, but despite winning the title with Arsenal, he actually arrived with no confidence.<\/p>\n
He really needs a summer reset. There’s talent there, but he can’t get into positions and keep wasting crosses.<\/p>\n
Rating: 5<\/p>\n
marcus rashford<\/p>\n
Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he likes Rashford, but the winger rarely delivers on the pitch what he has shown in training.<\/p>\n
Another unfulfilled tournament. he is very talented. But in England we see very little of that.<\/p>\n
Rating: 5<\/p>\n
anthony gordon<\/p>\n
At first I was annoyed, but then I grew taller. He also gave the best interview of the World Cup, talking about overcoming the odds and proving himself. He did just that.<\/p>\n
He scored a goal against Argentina, played as a forward and also covered as a defender. I have grown as both a player and a person.<\/p>\n
Rating: 7.5<\/p>\n
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Anthony Gordon scores in England’s opening game against Argentina (Image: Sebastian Widmann – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
ollie watkins<\/p>\n
6 minutes against Panama. Even if Harry Kane looked shattered, he never had a proper crack. It is impossible to mark fairly.<\/p>\n
Rating: N\/A<\/p>\n
Ivan Tony<\/p>\n
Was it worth it? It didn’t feel like it. I think he should have taken more time. In fact, the final gasp against Argentina came too late.<\/p>\n
Rating: N\/A<\/p>\n
harry kane<\/p>\n
England captain Marvel performed well overall but was poor against Argentina when he was needed most.<\/p>\n
But after scoring six goals and showing great leadership, it’s impossible to be critical. Set records, score points and lead by example. What a top player and leader he is.<\/p>\n
Rating: 9<\/p>\n
Non-playing members: James Trafford, Dean Henderson, Trevor Chalobah, Koby Mainu<\/p>\n
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![\"Reece](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37426434.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2285766206.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"mark](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37400330.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2284821316.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"Jarel](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37391245.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Quansah.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"Elliot](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37437316.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2285647687.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"Jude](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37434030.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/4_Norway-v-England-Quarter-Final-FIFA-World-Cup-2026.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"Anthony](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37437983.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_England-v-Argentina-Semi-Final-FIFA-World-Cup-2026.jpg\")
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