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  • By Yann Tear

England player ratings - VAR gets a 0


England 1 Italy 1 Photo by Paul Lagan

England drew 1-1 with Italy tonight in an international friendly at Wembley as Jamie Vardy’s first half strike was cancelled out late on by Lorenzo Insigne penalty.

However it was the intervention of VAR that prevented the Three Lions from a deserved victory.

Referee Eduard Beitnger failed to spot a foul five minutes from time but with the fourth official referring the decision. He opted to check the video replay and then changed his mind - adjudging that James Tarkowski had upended Federico Chiesa.

Here are the England ratings:

England v Italy player ratings

Jack Butland: 6

Not given too many opportunities to prove he should dislodge Jordan Pickford in the pecking order, and had no chance with the perfectly struck penalty which beat him.

Kieran Trippier: 6

Looks right at home in the Wembley pastures he has frequented all season. Saw plenty of the ball and put in a good shift before making way for Danny Rose after an hour.

Ashley Young: 6

Hugged the left flank to offer an outlet, though most of the dangerous attacks by England came from the opposite touchline. Had one first-half shot deflected narrowly wide. Fortunate not to be carded for a wild lunge on Chelsea man Zappacosta in the first half.

John Stones: 5

Composure and calmness almost his undoing early on as he allowed Ciro Immobile to get away from him, then catch him dithering on the ball. Recovered both times but lucky when the striker escaped him again to head over.

James Tarkowski: 5

Trod on sub Federico Chiesa to gift Italy their late penalty (via VAR) spoiling a decent enough international debut. Understandably a little nervous in his first start, with a few stray passes, but grew into the match. Early free header in the opposition box from which he might have done better.

Kyle Walker: 6

Part of the new-look three man defence. Was only really tested whenever Immobile strayed into his territory. Kept Lorenzo Insigne largely under wraps A competent outing.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7

Busy and confident. A good dribble and burst into the box lifted the crowd after a soporific opening quarter. Linked up well with Trippier down the right flank. Unlucky to pick up a soft yellow card.

Eric Dier: 6

Tidy and disciplined in the middle of the park. Good at recognising danger and snuffing it out. Often got England attacks moving with bursts into space. Versatility used for a defensive cameo late on.

Jesse Lingard: 6

Worked well between the lines and almost played Jamie Vardy in for an early goal. Quick witted enough to release Vardy for his goal. A player in great form.

Jamie Vardy: 6

Took advantage of some quick thinking by Lingard – blasting home his 8th England goal from a tapped free-kick. Looked sharp and ready to pounce off the shoulder of the last defender. At least he had some touches – which was not the case in Holland on Friday.

Raheem Sterling: 8

Superb evening. Great ability to stay on his feet when fouled and the star man. His streak of acceleration carved out an opening for Vardy, which was saved by the keeper, and won the free-kick for England’s opener. Always looking for the ball and used licence to roam to full effect.

Adam Lallana: 5

On for Oxlade-Chamberlain on the hour. Survived a few industrial tackles to retain possession and keep England on the move but his arrival coincided with England losing control of the ball late on.

Danny Rose: 5

On for Trippier after 60 minutes and was quickly on the front foot – looking for crosses and chances to dart into the box but unable to make any telling passes.

Marcus Rashford: 5

Played through the middle after coming on for Vardy for the last 20 minutes. Had little impact as England’s pace dropped.

Lewis Cook: 5

Great moment for the Bournemouth midfielder, given a 20-minute debut.

Jordan Henderson: 5

Replaced John Stones for the final 15 minutes, with Dier retreating into the centre half position.

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