England player ratings v Austria: Who shone at the Riverside?
England player ratings v Austria: Who shone at the Riverside?
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Gareth Southgate fielded a largely fringe side in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Austria with only two of the players that began the win against Poland in the starting XI, so how did they perform?
Distribution was excellent on a largely untroubled evening although he got the slightest of touches to a Marcel Sabitzer shot which struck the bar and prevented an own goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6)
The Liverpool defender had been expected to be omitted from the final squad and that still may be the case after hobbling off with a thigh injury in the second half. Went close to opening the scoring early on.
Conor Coady (5)
Did not wholly convince in a central defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings who came to his rescue on a couple of occasions.
Tyrone Mings (6)
Lucky to escape a red card for a needless early challenge which seemed to go unnoticed by the referee but otherwise looked solid, making a crucial block in the first half.
Kieran Trippier (6)
Again deployed at left-back and showed he is adept at filling in on the opposite flank, but let Saka do most of the attacking down that side.
Protected the defence well and was comfortable in space, but sent one raking pass out of play across the width of the pitch.
Jude Bellingham (7)
Missed a good opportunity with a free header early on but belied his years on his first England start. Strong in the tackle and a threat going forward.
Jesse Lingard (7)
Started despite being cut from the Euro 2020 squad but was again full of running for the cause and his deft touch played a part in the goal. May still get a chance.
Jack Grealish (7)
The Aston Villa man played in the number 10 role and showed glimpses of his undoubted quality, always demanding the ball and drawing plenty of fouls.
Bukayo Saka (8)
Impressed on the left wing in an initial 4-2-3-1 formation, grabbing his first England goal to cap an excellent display.
Harry Kane (6)
Quiet night for the England captain, who had one good chance in the first half before helping to create Saka’s goal.
Substitutes:
James Ward-Prowse (6)
Another who will be watching the Euros from his sofa but was given a run-out.
Ben Godfrey (5)
Almost scored an own goal with his first touch on his senior debut and looked nervous.
Ollie Watkins (5)
Played out wide as he collected a second cap but rarely involved in the action.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5)
Ran channeles well and his cross was nearly met by Watkins. Booked.
Ben White (6)
Cleared a goal-bound shot off the line in stoppage time and moved into midfield when Grealish came off.
