England player ratings: Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane get job done but right-back experiment leads to 3/10

England secured a first-place finish in Group L at the World Cup on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey.

But talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham wasn’t full of praise for the Three Lions, despite Harry Kane making England history with his goal and Jude Bellingham also starring.

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It was Bellingham and Marcus Rashford who picked up the best ratings from Thomas Tuchel‘s side’s last group game.

Meanwhile, Tuchel’s experiment at the back led to a 3/10 for one star, while Jordan Pickford has also taken some stick.

Overall though, it was a ‘steady’ performance and that has sent England through to the Round of 32 next week.

They could end up taking on Senegal in their first outing in the knockout stages after securing top spot with the victory.

However, if DR Congo win their final game, they will face them at 5pm UK time on Wednesday, July 1 instead.

For now, England will revel in their win over Panama – and here’s how Durham rated the squad for their showing:

Failed experiment

Starting at the back, Durham did not rate an England defender above a 5/10, as they showed some concerning signs.

Panama had 13 shots in total and forced Pickford into two saves, with the keeper saved by the offside flag as he conceded.

On Pickford, Durham said: “His distribution was underwhelming and Stuart Pearce was left unimpressed with his constant arm waving”

Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly were all given a 5/10, with Durham believing England looked better at left-back. 

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But at right-back, Tuchel’s idea to play Jarrell Quansah there did not pay off, as he struggled to make an impact and also picked up an injury. 

However, Durham didn’t put the blame on Quansah for the poor showing, with him being a more natural centre-back covering Reece James on the right.

Bellingham takes MOTM, Anderson questioned

Moving into midfield, Durham opened up with another 5/10 for imminent £116m Man City signing Elliot Anderson.

He said: “He’s the most expensive British player, but he needs to wear that billing better…”

Declan Rice wasn’t next to Anderson against Panama as he was rested, so Bellingham dropped deeper to play alongside him.

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And the Real Madrid star did what he does best – stepping up for England when they need him most.

Durham handed him a 7/10 and explained: “He always gives his all.

“Not always at his best like today, but he still got the crucial first goal and an assist.”

Pearce also gave Bellingham his Man of the Match post-game.

Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers was the player to cover for Bellingham in the No.10 role, making his first World Cup start.

“I love him and he did some good things,” Durham said. “But probably not enough…defensive work saved him from a lower mark.”

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