England player ratings: Lingard on target in win over Netherlands
By Danny Hart
Jordan Pickford – 7.5
We’ve seen relatively new England goalkeepers make huge mistakes on their first big test for their country (Scott Carson and Robert Green spring to mind), but Pickford had no such problems during an assured, composed performance against the Netherlands.
He has the best passing range of any England goalkeeper in recent memory, which is something Southgate clearly values. He had one moment where he started to rush out for a corner when he didn’t need to. Apart from that, the Everton man had a decent night.
Kieran Trippier – 6.5
Trippier didn’t have a bad game for England. It’s just that most of the Three Lions’ attacks came down the left, so he didn’t make as much of an impression going forward down the right as he might have liked.
He was solid enough defensively, albeit he wasn’t tested much, and it’ll be interesting to see if Southgate starts him again for the Italy game or if he puts Kyle Walker back on the right of the five-man defense. Either way, barring injury, Trippier is certain to make the World Cup squad.
Danny Rose – 5.5
Rose was caught with a flailing arm by Netherlands debutant Hans Hateboer in the first minute and it looked for a moment as if his night would be over before it even began. He carried on, though, and he put in a performance of highs and lows before being replaced by Ashley Young after 70 minutes.
The good came when he linked up well with Jesse Lingard for the only goal of the night. The bad came when he put in a disappointing cross to absolutely nobody after a superb England break. The ugly came when he gave the ball away on two occasions when trying to play his way out of trouble. It’s safe to say the left-back spot is still up for grabs.