England v Panama – player ratings: Lingard impresses but defensive issues are a concern

Harry Kane‘s hat-trick fired England to a thumping win over Panama on Sunday afternoon and into the knockout stages of the World Cup.

A John Stones brace and Jesse Lingard’s stunning 25-yard strike completed the rout in what was England’s record win at a World Cup finals and the biggest of this year’s tournament so far.

Against a physical Panama side, likened to a non-league outfit by Rio Ferdinand at half-time, the Three Lions were utterly dominant and head into their final match against Belgium knowing a draw will be enough to see them top the Group G.

Here’s how the players rated:

England

Jordan Pickford: Difficult to give a goalkeeper a rating in such a one-sided affair. Had barely a save to make all game but did what was required to the expected level. Bigger tests to come 7/10

Kyle Walker:  Little to do defensively but was one of England’s chief playmakers from the back. Linked up well with Trippier 7/10

John Stones: Gave ball away early on which led to a Panama chance, but then scored a bullet header to open the scoring and finished off a wonderful set-piece routine. Still defensive improvements to be made  7/10

Harry Maguire: Looked more effective in attacking positions than defensive ones. At fault when playing Baloy onside for Panama’s goal 6/10

Kieran Trippier: Lively down the right again, and provided another assist for Stones’ opener. Emerging as a very useful threat at set-pieces 7/10

Ashley Young: Seemed to enjoy the physical challenge presented by Panama but questions remain over whether he is the best man for this system 7/10

Jordan Henderson: Kane wears the armband but Henderson is increasingly emerging as England’s true leader on the pitch. Has put the Henderson v Dier debate to bed 8/10

Jesse Lingard: Recovered well after suffering an early elbow to the face. Earned England’s penalty and then scored one of the goals of the tournament so far 8/10

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Industrious on the right-hand side of the England midfield but a relatively quiet game. Looks likely to lose place in side for Belgium game 6/10

Raheem Sterling: Another quiet game for Sterling against these physical Panamanians. Missed a point-blank header which was then nodded in by Stones for England’s third 6/10

Harry Kane: Two unstoppable penalties, one lucky deflected goal. Everything Kane touches turns to gold at the moment. Hauled off after an hour and, for all of England’s sake, hopefully wrapped up in cotton wool 8/10

Substitutes

Jamie Vardy: 6/10

Fabian Delph: 6/10

More on England:

England World Cup squad – in full: The 23 players at Russia 2018

England World Cup fixtures 2018: Group games schedule and possible knockout round opponents

England’s route to the semi-finals and why it might be better to finish second in Group G

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