England player ratings: Lingard on target in win over Netherlands
By Danny Hart
Kyle Walker – 7.5
Remember the days of England playing a rigid four-man defense with the central defenders barely getting over the halfway line? Well, they’re well and truly over, as Walker showed in the first half when he burst forward, even ahead of Marcus Rashford, to join the Three Lions attack.
The Manchester City man was a surprise inclusion on the right side of a three-man defense, but he passed the test with flying colors. Whether he’s in the center or at right-back, Walker is certain to start England’s first World Cup match against Tunisia.
John Stones-7
With plenty of defensive options for Southgate, this was a big night for Stones to nail down that spot in the center of a three-man defense. He was composed on the ball throughout, completing 79 of his 84 passes, and his manager will have been encouraged by his desire to get the ball forward.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s game against Italy. If Stones starts in the center, that’ll almost confirm that he will start the Tunisia match. If not, then he’d better hope he gets some more minutes with Manchester City before the end of the season.
Joe Gomez – N/A
Other than Pickford, there was probably more pressure on Gomez to put in a good performance than any other England player. Unfortunately, he turned his ankle in a collision with Bas Dost after 10 minutes and he was replaced by Harry Maguire.