England finished in second place in Group B, despite finishing it unbeaten, with a victory over Wales and draws against Slovakia and Russia. Wales’ two victories over the same opponents saw them finish top of the group and arguably an easier draw than what England will face. England are now in the side of the draw that will see them play all of the top teams if they are to reach the final.
Here we’ll rate England’s squad after what has been a largely disappointing group stage campaign.
Joe Hart
He has played in all three of England’s games so far. Made a dog’s dinner of Gareth Bale’s free kick and he’ll know that he can do better. However, two goals conceded in three games isn’t too bad.
Verdict- C+
Fraser Forster
Hasn’t played and Roy Hodgson isn’t the kind of manager to drop Joe Hart after one mistake. Unlikely to play unless an injury occurs.
Verdict- N/A
Tom Heaton
Wouldn’t be in the squad if Jack Butland was fit. Won’t play, but is good for morale behind the scenes.
Verdict- N/A
Kyle Walker
Arguably England’s best player so far in the tournament, which makes it even more unfathomable that he didn’t play against Slovakia. He’ll be tested defensively now that England will be playing stronger sides in the knockout stages.
Verdict- A
Nathaniel Clyne
Didn’t do anything wrong against Slovakia, but looks likely to be second choice for the rest of the tournament. A reliable second choice nonetheless.
Verdict- B
Chris Smalling
Has looked reliable so far and has ensured that England’s defence hasn’t been as porous as hinted prior to the tournament. There’s still a worry that there’s a mistake in him.
Verdict- B
Gary Cahill
He has gone about his business in a solid but unremarkable manner. He looks the more confident and reliable of the pair at the back and offers a threat at set pieces.
Verdict- B+
John Stones
Everton must be thanking their lucky stars that Hodgson has decided to risk things at the back and go for broke up field, meaning that Stones hasn’t featured yet.
Verdict- N/A
Danny Rose
Has been impressive going forwards and backwards so far. He was unfortunate that he was the marking Vasili Berezutski in the build up to the Russian goal.
Verdict- B+
Ryan Bertrand
His arm waving was more reminiscent of a rave than defending in a football match. He can consider himself fortunate not to have been sent off, and didn’t do his chances of being picked ahead of Rose much good.
Verdict- C-
Eric Dier
Simply outstanding. Has provided defensive cover and attacking intent and is the player that England have needed for many years. His free kick against Russia was a thing of beauty.
Verdict- A
Wayne Rooney
Rooney has made a mockery of those who didn’t think that he should have been in the squad and has looked assured in the midfield role. Tougher tests will come, but looks promising in a role that he’s not fully accustomed to.
Verdict- A-
Jack Wilshere
A penny for Danny Drinkwater’s thoughts. Replaced Rooney against Russia, but looked off the pace and was hopeless against Slovakia. Hasn’t justified his inclusion in the squad so far.
Verdict- D
Jordan Henderson
Has been held responsible for England failing to beat Slovakia, but it’s not his fault. Missed the last month of the season with injury and doesn’t look fully fit or suited to the international arena.
Verdict- C
Dele Alli
Has looked good so far, but we’re still waiting to see some of the form that saw him selected in the first place. Adds pace and energy to the midfield, but must ensure that his temperament doesn’t get the better of him.
Verdict- B-
James Milner
Held responsible for what has become a disastrous result against Russia and hasn’t been seen in the tournament since. Although partially culpable for the Russian goal, he wasn’t the one who decided that he should be sent on.
Verdict- C-
Ross Barkley
The only other outfield player to have not seen action so far in the tournament and with the group stage now over, he might not see any at all.
Verdict- N/A
Adam Lallana
Hasn’t done much in this tournament apart from run. His finishing has let him down at crucial stages, but looks an assured option on the right flank.
Verdict- C+
Raheem Sterling
Sterling has arguably regressed since the 2014 World Cup and moving to Manchester City. Hasn’t been able to beat the first man and looks desperately short of confidence. Shouldn’t be in the side in the knockout stages.
Verdict- D
Harry Kane
A great disappointment so far. 25 goals in the Premier League, but has looked tired in the Euros. His talent is wasted taking corners and free kicks.
Verdict- D
Daniel Sturridge
Scored the late winner against Wales, but was frustrating against Slovakia. A decision will have to be made as to who starts up front in the knockout stages.
Verdict- C+
Jamie Vardy
Speed is his main asset, but struggles to make an impact when teams defend deep against him. He should start in the knockout stages when facing opposition who sit further up the pitch.
Verdict- C+
Marcus Rashford
His meteoric rise has continued and although he hasn’t scored or done anything exceptional so far, he’s done his bit.
Verdict- C
Roy Hodgson
A mixed bag for the England manager so far. Was largely responsible for the disastrous result in Marseille when making the substitutions, but redeemed himself against Wales. Managers live and die by their team selection and he got his wrong against Slovakia. A knockout stage that is much harder than it needed to be awaits, and Hodgson has made too many mistakes in this tournament. His future as manager looks bleak if there’s another early exit.
Verdict- E
