Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford Might he have reacted more effectively to Enzo Fernández’s leveler for Argentina? Jude Bellingham appeared convinced it was possible. Regardless, the player with the most World Cup tournament showings for England delivered several vital stops, notably a superb denial of Nicolas González in the last four. 7
Dean Henderson His involvement was delayed until the third-place match, where he conceded four times in spite of a solid individual display. He will be aiming to mount a serious competition for the top spot across the upcoming two seasons. 7
Defenders
Djed Spence Developed into an unexpected fan favorite through a series of fully committed displays. He’ll likely remain in memory for ignoring Thomas Partey’s offered hand and for his challenge on Giuliano Simeone during the Argentina clash. 8
Marc Guéhi It was puzzling that he wasn’t Thomas Tuchel’s initial first pick, an issue corrected following the Croatia fixture. England’s steadiest and most dependable defensive presence – his containment of Erling Haaland was a true defensive lesson. 8
John Stones Entered the tournament noticeably lacking match sharpness, a fact exposed in the first contest against Croatia. His form saw a clear upturn when summoned for the quarter- and semi-final stages. A major contributor when he takes the field. 7
Ezri Konsa Endured a handful of uncertain spells during the opening phase but restored composure and provided competent cover at right-back when the situation demanded. At 28, he remains young enough to feature in the next edition. 7
Dan Burn’s headed block from this Raúl Jiménez bicycle kick cleared the halfway line.
Dan Burn His constraints were apparent against Argentina. Still, he will be remembered for those two monumental substitute appearances versus Mexico and Norway. The clearing headers, struck with such force they reached the opponent’s territory, won’t be forgotten. 7
Nico O’Reilly Delivered his strongest showing in the quarter-final against Norway, displaying his most rampaging form. He will feel regret over failing to find the net and being present on the pitch as a substitute when Argentina launched their semi-final fightback. 6
Reece James A player of outstanding quality when his fitness holds, though such occasions are regrettably uncommon. A hamstring problem caused him to sit out most of the competition, and his departure against Argentina was a clear setback for the team. 6
Trevoh Chalobah The Chelsea defender was an unexpected selection to fill the gap left by Tino Livramento’s late withdrawal through injury. Ultimately, his participation was limited to a mere six minutes against France. 6
Jarell Quansah Introduced as the solution to the right-back puzzle against Panama, he was performing capably until a lapse in composure led to a red card against Mexico. He was brought back for the France encounter, only to be substituted. 5
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham Demonstrated his elite caliber in crucial moments and displayed an unwavering dedication to the national side, even as his tense dynamic with Tuchel necessitated cautious handling. 9
Elliot Anderson Remained unfazed by his £116m switch to Manchester City and became more influential as the tournament unfolded. Gave an exhaustive effort in the clashes with Norway and Argentina. 8
Morgan Rogers (left) crossed for Anthony Gordon to put England ahead against Argentina.
Morgan Rogers Capitalized on his brief time on the pitch in positions he isn’t accustomed to. Highlighted his talent by operating as a central midfielder against Norway before delivering an assist for Anthony Gordon from the right wing in the Argentina match. 8
Declan Rice Appeared visibly hampered by the hamstring and back complaints that disrupted his season’s latter stages with Arsenal, though his work rate, as usual, was beyond question. He requires an extended break to restore his energy, but it may not be feasible. 6
Eberechi Eze The influence he desired didn’t materialize across four outings from the bench before a start against France. He performed a competent shift in central midfield against Panama but was largely on the fringes when deployed on the left during the quarter-final. 6
Jordan Henderson Saw 12 minutes of action, marking a landmark outing against Panama as he became the first England men’s footballer to feature in seven major international finals. However, he also managed to receive a booking as a substitute versus Mexico and break an arm while celebrating the victory. 5
Forwards
Bukayo Saka Securing three goals and three assists while battling through an achilles issue represented a brave effort from the Arsenal figurehead. His absence from the bench against Argentina was a major talking point, and his display against France underlined what the side had lacked. 8
Anthony Gordon A subdued beginning after being selected over Rashford gave way to an impressive response following his omission from the starting lineup. His three assists and a strike against Argentina illustrated precisely why Barcelona were so eager to acquire his services. 8
Harry Kane’s two goals against the Democratic Republic of the Congo saved England from an early exit.
Harry Kane Regrettably, his tournament narrative may center on a largely invisible performance against Argentina rather than his rescue act facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Is it possible a greater opportunity to claim the World Cup will ever come his way? 8
Marcus Rashford His third World Cup began positively, netting after stepping off the bench against Croatia, and he was named in the starting eleven for the Panama fixture. Yet, he vanished from sight until England were chasing the result in stoppage time versus Argentina. 6
Ivan Toney Remained an onlooker from the sidelines until Lautaro Martínez’s extra-time goal during the semi-final. The three minutes granted to him offered no chance to shift the momentum, but he fared respectably against France. 6
Ollie Watkins Largely a spectator left unfulfilled, despite his memorable display in the Euro 2024 semi-final and his arrival at the tournament in a fantastic scoring streak. A half on the left side against France and a fleeting appearance versus Panama were insufficient returns. 6
Noni Madueke Displayed some encouraging flashes but lacked a decisive final product across his four starts and had fallen further down the selection hierarchy by the semi-final stage. A sharper cutting edge is essential at this level. 5
Did not play: James Trafford and Kobbie Mainoo
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