England 3-0 Ivory Coast (Watkins ’30 Sterling ’45, Mings ’90+3 Aurier sent off ’40)
Before a ball had been kicked, there was an element of the surreal at Wembley. A needless friendly with Ivory Coast, with the only real purpose of giving Gareth Southgate another look at his World Cup candidates, was preceded by jeers from the Wembley crowd.
Harry Maguire, so imperious for England last summer, whose undeniable flaws for Manchester United seem to have overwritten his composed displays at international level, was booed by large sections of his own fans (to use the term loosely) as his name was read out. His first touch was met with more rumblings, an unnecessary display of dissent on what was largely another encouraging group performance.
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Ollie Watkins scored a tap-in on his first start thanks to the good work of Raheem Sterling, whose footwork had left Aurier on the floor in the box.
The former Tottenham full-back’s return to England was to get even worse, a pull on Jack Grealish’s shirt earning a booking.
Within minutes, it was red, Aurier dismissed for dissent – in the first half, of a friendly – having protested at the referee’s refusal to give him a free-kick.
Ivory Coast were quickly made to pay. Five minutes later, Sterling’s chip forced a save from Badra Ali Sangare that only went as far as Grealish. Having teamed up effectively with Sterling on the wing all night, Grealish cut the ball across goal to find his Manchester City team-mate to set up his first ever goal in an international friendly.
England’s momentum continued into the second half, though Jude Bellingham was denied a penalty after a VAR check showed Fousseny Coulibaly had taken a touch.
Raheem Sterling is on FIRE ????
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 29, 2022
Tonight's England captain now has a goal and assist as the #ThreeLions lead the Ivory Coast 2-0 following Serge Aurier's red cardpic.twitter.com/DJPcSGT5c6
Harry Kane will have to wait to break Wayne Rooney’s goal record despite coming on as a second-half substitute. Instead, it was Tyrone Mings who headed in the third in the dying minutes to Southgate’s delight.
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England player ratings
Pope – 6
Very little to do – Ivory Coast had no shots on target in the first half.
White – 6
Guilty of a poorly timed miskick which left his studs on Max Gradel but not too shabby given he was placed in an unfamiliar role on the right. Replaced with Kyle Walker-Peters at half-time.
Mings – 7
Coped well with the occasional threat offered by Jean Michael Seri and topped off his night with a goal.
Maguire – 6
Back in the side and had little to do, but the pace of the international game allowed him once again to put his club struggles to one side.
Mitchell – 6
Little chance to really show what he could do – untroubled by Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe.
Bellingham – 8.5
Began with a promising through ball to Watkins, saw his shot rebound off the post, and was unlucky not to finish the night with a goal. A real driving force from the midfield.
Rice – 7
Typically kept England ticking over in midfield and produced some decent link-up play for the attack.
Ward-Prowse – 6.5
Relatively quiet and a couple of overhit crosses but it’s vital that England keep his threat from set pieces, a few of which troubled Ivory Coast.
Sterling – 9
A special night for him as captain and he was rewarded with an assist and a goal. England’s biggest threat going forward and caused constant problems.
Watkins -7.5
Survived an early injury scare and took his goal well.
Grealish – 8.5
Grealish is never sure of a starting spot but he did as much as he could to impress Southgate with an assist. A reminder he can operate alongside Sterling, rather than instead of him.
SUBSTITUTES:
Walker-Peters – 6.5
Still feeling his way into this England side on just his second appearance.
Shaw – 7
Nearly registered an assist with a low cross.
Kane – 6
Will have to wait to break Wayne Rooney’s record – he’s still four off.
Smith Rowe – 6.5
The game was largely won by the time he came on, which makes it harder to judge his impact, but almost worked a brilliant 1-2 with Bellingham to set up a goal.
Foden – 6
Worked his way into space but lacked opportunities. Combined well with Ward-Prowse.
Gallagher – 6
Man of the match against Switzerland and was given another 12 minutes on Tuesday night. Lively when he came on.
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