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England player ratings vs Tunisia: reaction to winning start

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Jordan Henderson of England embraces Gareth Southgate, Manager of England following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Jordan Henderson of England embraces Gareth Southgate, Manager of England following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Midfield

Kieran Trippier: 7.5

Trippier eagerly showed his endurance and range of passing. Negative at the start due to nerves, yet never lost possession. Found often in good positions by Walker.

Spurs’ player is not afraid to try the difficult pass. Promising and decent deliveries from his nominated free-kicks came. Making multiple challenges strongly and productively.

Southgate is in need of high, byline runs and crossing from the nippy wing back. His corner was met by Maguire for Kane’s winning goal.

Jordan Henderson: 8

Henderson produced a fantastic high through ball early on. A very sharp seeming Liverpool captain made simple nice passes.

When necessary, he quickened his passing, short and long. Spraying the ball wide effortlessly.

Getting forward occasionally, he produced decent passes and crosses. Staked his claim over Eric Dier well as the England ‘engine room’. Involved a lot in all aspects of the match, covering every blade of grass.

Dele Alli: 7

Dele played a fine cross at the start, which could easily have led to a goal. Lively play, non-stop effort offensively and defensively. Adding great link up play throughout the first-half.

For all his eagerness, he must produce a good cross when opportunity arises. And not to mention cease to turnover possession unnecessarily. Following struggling with a suspected injury, he was quiet in patches.

Succeeded in interplay once more with Lingard as Tunisia held firm. His replacement should arguably have come quicker.

Jesse Lingard: 7

Lingard should have scored early, when a cross dropped kindly to him, a great leg-save denied him. Combined with Alli well. Occasionally rushed but always positive in approach; not always application.

Missed a wonderful chance from a young cross at 1-0. The Three Lions should have had a goal cushion when the Tunisians levelled the score. His link up touches and movement became smoother in time.

Unlucky not to score following good running off the ball. Some quality one touch passing with Sterling and Alli. Consistently direct, normally end product is his reward. Instigated much forward play while putting in a good shift.

Ashley Young: 7.5

Young definitely has licence to attack. As the game got underway he strode up and down field efficiency and selflessly. Supplying the corner from which England opened their account.

Made strong challenges all game. Successfully took his defender on and crossed well generally. Combative and effective. Came close to scoring after assuming attacking free-kicks.

The elder statesman matched his younger colleagues for energy. Danny Rose will try to replace him, possibly unsuccessfully.

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