Skip to content

England 2-1 Australia player ratings: Marcus Rashford plays starring role

England's Wayne Rooney celebrates
Image: Wayne Rooney doubled England's advantage

Luther Blissett gives his player ratings from England's 2-1 victory over Australia on Friday.

In the final friendly before Roy Hodgson names his 23-man squad for Euro 2016, Marcus Rashford scored on his debut and substitute Wayne Rooney added a second before an own goal from Eric Dier.

Rashford nets on England debut
Rashford nets on England debut

Marcus Rashford scored three minutes into his international debut as England beat Australia 2-1

Former England striker Blissett marks the players out of 10... 

Fraser Forster - 7

Apart from the moment before the goal when he was caught in possession, he did all right. He seemed assured dealing with balls in the box and communicated well with the back four.

Ryan Bertrand - 7

He had a very good game. He settled into it well, covered other players when England looked like they could be in trouble and contributed going forward.

Also See:

Chris Smalling - 7

He made one or two errors but we know he is a good defender when he concentrates.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27:  Tom Rogic of Australia holds off pressure from Chris Smalling of England during the International Friendly match between Eng
Image: Chris Smalling tussles with Australia's Tom Rogic

John Stones - 7.5

He was quite solid all round. His distribution was very good and his defending, concentration and dealing with his man and covering team-mates was good.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6.5

Started very well and looked to get forward. Defended and passed well.

Jack Wilshere - 6

He did all right. Joined in the play at the right time and got involved, giving the ball and then getting it back.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27:  Robbie Kruse of Australia holds off the challenge of Jack Wilshere of England during the International Friendly match betwee
Image: Jack Wilshere looks to win possession

Jordan Henderson - 6

He goes through games and you think what has he done? He joined in a few times but he would be better as a defensive midfielder if we want somebody to be solid. He can win the ball and then give it off with a simple pass. He is consistent and gives it to others who can cause problems.

Danny Drinkwater - 7

A solid game. In the second half, he settled in better once England changed the formation a bit and he looked more at home knowing what he had to do.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27:  Danny Drinkwater of England holds off pressure from Brad Smith of Australia during the International Friendly match between
Image: Danny Drinkwater controls under pressure

Raheem Sterling - 7

Instrumental in Rooney's goal and did a few other good things. He still gives the ball away at times but his performance was all right and he was positive going forward.

Marcus Rashford - 9

For a young man whose career has been two months of the season, it's been unbelievable. Yes, he will make mistakes but he has great enthusiasm and believes in everything he does, which is fantastic. He didn't look phased about anything on his debut.

Marcus Rashford celebrates
Image: Rashford is congratulated by Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana - 6.5

He can find a pass and find good positions where he can have a shot or put somebody in. You want him sometimes to do a bit more because he has that in him, maybe the formation wasn't ideal.

Substitutes

Wayne Rooney - 7

Led the team in the second half, showed great pace running on to things and did a good job of leading the line.

England's Marcus Rashford celebrates
Image: Debutant Marcus Rashford celebrates his goal

James Milner - 6

You know he will be solid and dependable, but he can do other things to add to his game.

Eric Dier - 6

Unfortunate own goal, but he didn't let it phase him, he got on with it and even when Stones tested him out he came out of defence and played a pass. Forget about the own goal because that could happen to anybody and hopefully he will learn from it.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27:  Eric Dier of England reacts after scoring an own goal in the second half during the International Friendly match between Eng
Image: Eric Dier scored an own goal

Ross Barkley - 6

His first contribution was a great turn out of defence to bring it out and then win a free-kick. At times, he tries to be a bit too cute and he has to get that out of his game. If he does that, he could be a very good midfielder for England.

Andros Townsend - 6.5

Very positive when he got the ball and ran at people, outside or inside. He showed real desire about what he wanted to do as he looked to impress the manager.

Around Sky