England's World Cup journey concluded with a semi-final defeat to Argentina, prompting an assessment of the squad's performance throughout the tournament. Daily Mail Sport's Chief Football Reporter Craig Hope provided ratings for each player and offered a verdict on manager Thomas Tuchel.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford received a 7/10 rating, with his saves against Mexico described as "legendary" and crucial for England's progression in the round of 16. Despite a shaky start to the tournament and being left exposed by his defense against Argentina, Pickford is recommended to remain the number one.
Defenders Reece James (5/10) and Ezri Konsa (6/10) had mixed tournaments. James missed three matches due to a hamstring injury, and while he performed adequately when on the pitch, he was not at his best. Konsa, who shifted between center back and right back, had his best performance at right back against Norway but was inconsistent in the center.
Jarell Quansah received a 3/10, his tournament largely defined by a red card in Mexico that led to suspension. John Stones (6/10) had a shaky start but improved significantly after returning to the side for the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Marc Guehi (6/10) was England's most consistent center back but was criticized for not being more aggressive against Argentina.
Dan Burn (6/10) made immense contributions when he came on against Mexico and Norway, but his limited overall involvement and being on the field for Argentina's goals were noted. Djed Spence (7/10) recovered from a difficult start to make significant contributions in the knockout stages, earning praise for his athleticism and all-action display against Argentina, where he was England's best player.
In midfield, Nico O'Reilly (5/10) was dropped for the semi-finals, and his overall impact was below expectations, failing to assert himself as England's long-term left back. Declan Rice (5/10) had a subpar World Cup, hampered by injury and illness, and was criticized for not controlling games effectively. Elliot Anderson (8/10) was highlighted as a player who justified his price tag, holding the midfield together with tenacity and technical excellence, though he lacked support.
Jordan Henderson (4/10) had a minimal impact on the pitch, with only a six-minute cameo against Panama, though his off-field experience was acknowledged. Jude Bellingham (9/10) was England's standout player, scoring six goals at crucial moments and being inspirational. Despite some critiques on midfield control, his ability to arrive in the penalty area was deemed irreplaceable. His least impactful display came against Argentina, coinciding with off-field distractions.
Forward options saw Morgan Rogers (6/10) provide a crucial assist for Anthony Gordon's goal against Argentina, but he was otherwise underwhelmed by his tournament after losing momentum. Eberechi Eze (4/10) had little memorable impact in his four substitute appearances. Bukayo Saka (6/10) struggled with fitness issues, appearing a shadow of his usual game-changing self, though he did provide three assists. Noni Madueke (3/10) was criticized for a lack of end product despite his effort and willingness to take players on.
Anthony Gordon (7/10) responded well after being dropped, providing crucial assists and scoring a goal in the semi-final, with his performance against Mexico being arguably the best of his career. Marcus Rashford (4/10) was ineffective in key moments, particularly against DR Congo, and was not seen again until the final minutes against Argentina. Ivan Toney (3/10) and Ollie Watkins (3/10) had minimal playing time, with Watkins playing only seven minutes and Toney just one minute, both feeling they deserved more opportunities, particularly in the semi-final.
Captain Harry Kane (8/10) started strongly with six goals but faded in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, appearing spent against Argentina and having no shots or touches in the opposition box. Despite this late dip, he remains an England legend.
Manager Thomas Tuchel received a 4/10 rating. The assessment stated that his team never truly clicked, relying on periods of resistance and individual brilliance, and that his earlier assessment of England being afraid to lose was prophetic of his own team's performance. While he deserves a chance to rectify the situation, his tactical approach in crucial moments was deemed incorrect.