England Player Ratings Vs Mexico

Much was made about the intensity and altitude of the Azteca, but England more than rose to the occasion in an all-timer of a game. Clinical in front of goal and heroic in defence for the final half hour, this was the game that has cemented Thomas Tuchel’s side as genuine contenders to go all the way. Here are our ratings from a thrilling last 16 encounter:

Jordan Pickford

Not at his best for the majority of the tournament, this was by far and away his best performance so far. Some stunning saves from Raul Jimenez and a commanding presence on crosses, Pickford did everything he needed to do to maintain England’s slender lead and add to his already legendary status.

8/10

Jarell Quansah

England’s right back dilemma is not getting any easier to solve. Quansah was resolute in the first half and developed a good defensive relationship with Saka, but went into his challenge with far too much force and put his team under a boatload of pressure in the second half. Djed Spence might well have to step in again for the Norway game.

4/10

Ezri Konsa

A somewhat shaky first half performance that has summed up his performance at the tournament so far, but gave everything when moved out to right back. Deputised well for Quansah and was a crucial part in getting his team over the line in the final few minutes, battling well with Jiminez.

6/10

Marc Guehi

Composed and efficient, Guehi is the cool head at the back that England need. He was unmoved after so many defensive changes that could have thrown off lesser centre backs, and demonstrated why he is now a guaranteed starter for the rest of the tournament.

8/10

Nico O’Reilly

Got forward well and put out the majority of fires down his flank. Lucky only to receive a yellow for a bit of petulance before he was subbed off, but O’Reilly is turning into a footballer with a really strong all round game.

7/10

Declan Rice

A yellow card in the first minute of the game could have dampened Rice’s performance, but he did not shy away from any challenge after, producing heroic blocks and driving forward with the ball at his feet. It speaks volumes that he completed the full 90 whilst walking a disciplinary tightrope, showing Tuchel’s trust in him.

8/10

Elliot Anderson

Won the ball back brilliantly for England’s second goal and controlled the tempo well in midfield. A bounce back performance after DR Congo and could have contributed even further if it wasn’t for the red card.

7/10

Jude Bellingham

A man for the big occasion, Jude Bellingham has the CV of an England great at the age of 23. A brace that stunned the Azteca before a crucial block at the other end just before half time, the Galactico ran himself into the ground and showed leadership beyond his years. The best player on the pitch.

10/10

Anthony Gordon

After a couple of early tournament stinkers, Anthony Gordon has won back his spot in the starting line up and showed exactly why against Mexico. A willing runner, tenacious in defence, and full of desire to win England’s penalty, this was his best performance in an England shirt.

8/10

Bukayo Saka

Even on one leg, Arsenal’s starboy is still England’s best option on the right. A sumptuous assist for Bellingham’s first goal and a resolute defensive display, Saka has undoubted quality and depite not being at full fitness, is showing it at exactly the right moments.

7/10

Harry Kane

Now level with Gary Lineker as England’s leading goalscorer in World Cup knockouts, Kane is making a case to be England’s greatest. A huge assist in the first half, he then dispatched his penalty with ice in his veins at a crucial point of the game, and was perhaps unlucky if a little clumsy giving one away at the other end. In the last few years Kane is changing the narrative in real time that he is the man for the big occasion.

8/10

Thomas Tuchel and his substitutions

Never doubt a manager who specialises in tournament football. Aside from potentially Quansah, his starting set up was spot on and England controlled the game when they needed to in the first half. It felt too soon to bring on Burn and Spence but Tuchel knew exactly what he was doing, stopping Mexico before they could reach England’s box. A managerial masterclass and a sign of unity that every substitute performed their roles to perfection.

10/10

England’s next game will take place against Norway on Saturday 11th July at 10PM BST.