Group G showdown: England player ratings v Belgium

Eric Dier: 7

Eric Dier was the Three Lions‘ captain on the night, in place of teammate Harry Kane. Although it was not a match, at the beginning, in which a defensive-minded midfielder could shine, he made accurate lengthy strokes of the ball.

When ran at by a swift player, Dier cannot cope. Fouls or bypassing occur too regularly for him to seriously be considered as a replacement for Jordan Henderson. Closing down must happen faster, even on a humid evening.

I have seen him give fewer misplaced passes during a match. However, when rushed, he often makes a correct corresponding decision.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8

Trent Alexander-Arnold encouragingly began undaunted, as well as attack-minded. Only seems under pressure when challenged heading defensively. However, that is not his fault, standing at five-feet-nine-inches.

Rarely was his touch was not satisfactory. First corner was over-hit. Though, he settled in astutely. I am not sure he will remove Kieran Trippier, or Kyle Walker from covering that position. Not yet at least.

As the game continued, his set-pieces improved. Alexander-Arnold’s glacial focus increasing. Made a solid block from an opposing corner. Can lose tranquility when far up the pitch: as a result, his crossing can suffer.

While he is not fazed by his increasing role at age 19. If he is to take free-kicks shots, they need improvement. Exhibited fine decision-making throughout.

Danny Rose: 8

Danny Rose floated a nice ball towards Marcus Rashford down the left as the game got underway. Also combined well with Fabian Delph on that side. This play is in addition to his quick forward moves, he found himself in crossing areas and provided a decent one first half.

Another player regarded to be close to the first eleven, and doing himself justice. However, he afforded his opponent too much respect, allowing Adnan Januzaj space to cross. Not avoiding a 50/50 tackle is an endearing, hard-nosed quality.

Ashley young must prepare to earn his spot; Rose is effective, efficient and so quick. In general play was too good for Januzaj; first-half. In the second, the Belgian turned him and scored marvellously. Rose’s grade would have been higher, if not for this lapse. Got forward once again as the game progressed and controlled his opposite number.

Fabian Delph: 7

Fabian Delph is seemingly at home in the centre, as he is on the left at international level. Made excellent, surging runs for a thoughtful Rose to find. Completed his work satisfactorily first-half. Pressing Belgian not particularly aggressively.

Second-half the Manchester City player began by giving away possession sloppily. Should show for, and demand, more of the ball from his team.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 7.5

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is possibly the most likely understudy to secure a starting position, according to ITV Sport pundits. He was always available in space for a pass first half. Although he employs a measured approach away from the ball.

Chelsea’s midfielder shields the ball excellently. His protection is so good he often draws a foul. Handy; when no available options present themselves. His strength and vision was evident. Touch evaded him on the edge of the Belgian penalty box once or twice.

As the game went on, he showed strong running with the ball. Tried to create a key scenario with skill or a killer pass; end product eluded him.