Thursday 7 June 2018 23:26, UK
England's World Cup preparations ended with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica, but did anyone enhance their claims for place in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up when they begin their campaign against Tunisia on June 18?
Marcus Rashford scored a stunning goal before substitute Danny Welbeck made it 2-0 in the 76th minute as the Three Lions signed off with a comfortable win at Elland Road before heading to Russia.
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton watched the game for Sky Sports News - and he gave each of England's players a rating out of 10...
Butland couldn't have done anymore against Costa Rica, but coming off after 65 minutes signifies to me Jordan Pickford will start against Tunisia. Butland looked very confident and made a very good save during a solid performance.
I thought the Liverpool full-back did very well on debut. He did a solid job for Southgate and showed a lot of promise. It was great for him to get a game ahead of the World Cup because you never know when you might be called upon.
There were a couple of lapses in concentration from the Manchester City man. He gave the ball away far too easy on a couple of occasions. He certainly has a touch of class but just occasionally a lapse of concentration lets him down, giving the opposition a chance. You don't want that when you are playing at a World Cup because quality opposition will take those chances.
I like Harry Maguire. He's a good defender but like Stones, he got caught a couple of time against Costa Rica. For me, he can certainly do better but I would have him in my team when the action gets underway in Russia.
The Manchester United defender looked solid throughout. He looked comfortable on the ball and also made a few good runs forward.
I would've liked to have seen a bit more going forward from Rose. In the first half, he tried to get forward but there wasn't too much space with Costa Rica getting plenty of men behind the ball. He probably needed the game, and with that in mind he did well.
I would have Henderson in my team. He put in a solid performance and produced a couple of good shots. He's one of those players likely to pop up with a goal so that's why I'd have him in my starting line-up.
Another solid if not spectacular performance. He didn't create a lot going forward but over on that left side he held his position well and did the job Southgate required of him.
I thought Loftus-Cheek's performance showed a lot of promise. He didn't create as much as I thought he might do but he's a big lad and he showed his strength on a couple of occasions which I like. He's definitely going to get better and is one for the future. He is a good option for Southgate from the bench.
Rashford was lively in what was a pretty average game. He started very brightly and his goal was superb. It looked like he really wanted to make an impression.
I like what Vardy brings to the team. He is always looking to get in the box and on the end of crosses. He'll stretch a defence which is very important for someone like Harry Kane as it gives him a little bit more room in that area to go and get the ball. He's also an out-and-out goalscorer and for I'd play him and Kane up front together in the first couple of games.
Pope didn't really have much to do but he also looked very confident with the England shirt on. He had a few dodgy back passes to deal with early on, which is not what you want, but again he dealt with everything thrown at him.
The Arsenal striker scored a good goal. He has just got this knack of scoring for England which is great. He's great to have in the squad because he can do a bit of everything. He is not a starter for me with the likes of Kane, Rashford and Vardy but he's another decent option. Another goal keeps him in the frame.
The fact Alli was involved in the second goal will be good for his confidence because in truth, he's been struggling a bit lately. His confidence doesn't seem to be sky high at the moment. He reminds me a little of David Platt. He's someone who will get you goals from midfield but at the moment he's not really firing. However, let's hope he's saving it for the World Cup and comes good at the right time.
Trippier got forward at every opportunity when he came on. He put some excellent crosses into the box and made an impact, however, I'd have Kyle Walker starting over him in the wing back position. I wouldn't have Walker in the back four because he makes a few errors when he's the last man. He's better going forward and Man City have seen that too. When you are wing-back you always have people around the back of you to cover your mistakes.
Gary Cahill replaced John Stones in the 65th minute. He took the captain's armband and it's good to have his experience in the squad. Jesse Lingard came on for the last 11 minutes but we didn't see too much of him this time around.
