top of page
  • By Yann Tear

Few real stars or villains in England's final Wembley outing before Russia


Photo by Paul Lagan

England’s penultimate warm-up match ahead of the World Cup ended in an underwhelming 2-1 victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles. It was mostly comfortable rather than spectacular. Here is how we rated the performances.

Jordan Pickford: 6

Did not have too many chances to prove he should be England’s number one this summer. One easy save from Chelsea’s Victor Moses was hardly eye-catching and he had no chance with the Alex Iwobi goal which beat him.

Kyle Walker: 6

Was given a few moments of anxiety and tests of speed, but survived without too many alarms. Greater tests await, of course.

Kieran Trippier: 7

Had an early free-kick turned aside by keeper Francis Uzoho and his corner brought about the opener. A solid presence down the right flank. He looks to be an important option for Gareth Southgate in Russia.

Gary Cahill: 7

Celebrated his call-up for the World Cup squad in style with a fine leap to head in Trippier’s corner after only seven minutes. His composure and experience were evident throughout and appears to be a vital ingredient in such a youthful set up.

John Stones: 6

Nothing too onerous for the Man City defender to deal with before the break, when a very disappointing Nigeria simply failed to test him enough. Had more to do when the Super Eagles raised their game after the break.

Ashley Young: 6

Got forward well in support of Sterling down the left several times. Always looking to engineer opportunities and had one close-range effort blocked.

Jesse Lingard: 5

Worked some triangles with Trippier and Sterling, but did not influence the game much and sometimes struggled to get involved. Made way for Loftus-Cheek.

Eric Dier: 6

Tidy and efficient. Seldom stretched. A comfortable afternoon workout. Almost on the scoresheet with a header from a corner, which flashed just wide.

Dele Alli: 6

Received some hearty boos from Nigerian fans – for choosing to play for England rather than Nigeria, his father’s country. A decent contribution. But has he done enough to earn a start in the first World Cup match v Tunisia?.

Raheem Sterling: 6

All eyes were on the man with the not-so-golden gun on his calf. An early shimmy and a dink over the keeper which went just wide underlined the threat he brings. Blazed over another fine first-half chance. Booked for a dive.

Harry Kane: 6

Largely peripheral until he crashed a low shot under Uzoho to make it 2-0 after 39 minutes – although he hit one great pass from deep to Dele Alli which almost led to a Sterling goal.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: The Chelsea midfielder came on for Lingard for the final quarter. His poise and power after a confident season could be a real asset at the World Cup.

Danny Rose: Replaced Young on 67 minutes.

Danny Welbeck: On for Kane on 73 minutes.

Marcus Rashford: Sub for Sterling on 73 minutes.

Fabien Delph: Replaced Alli on 81 minutes.

Join our mailing list

bottom of page