England vs Panama player ratings as Bellingham ‘world-class’ but Rogers gets 5/10

METLIFE STADIUM — It is job done for England after they dispatched Panama in New Jersey to book a knockout tie in Atlanta next week.

In teeming rain they made heavy weather of the first half but goals from man of the match Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane eased the nerves in the second half.

It answered questions about England’s inability to unlock low blocks but there is still a measure of uncertainty about how they’ll fare against the better sides in North America.

Those are questions for another day, though. For now, England can reflect on completing the first part of their World Cup assignment with the minimum of fuss.

Jordan Pickford – 6/10

I don’t know why but I feel a bit uneasy about Pickford at this tournament, even if this was a second successive clean sheet. Perhaps it’s because his distribution hasn’t been up to his usual high standards?

Jarell Quansah – 6/10

Didn’t do anything wrong but he’s no right-back, is he? A big worry that he limped off in the second half because England’s options in this role are dwindling.

Ezri Konsa – 6/10

England looked a little vulnerable on the counter and that is something to watch when they take on the bigger teams. Konsa seems installed ahead of John Stones now.

Marc Guehi – 6/10

There is still legitimate questions about this defence against better sides given Panama had a couple of big chances in the closing stages in New Jersey. When he lost Jose Fajardo in injury time it nearly cost England a goal.

Nico O’Reilly – 6/10

He’s not going to let anyone down at left-back but we’re yet to see the side of him that had Manchester City fans purring in the run-in. Perhaps when they play better sides?

Elliot Anderson – 7/10

A new challenge for Anderson with the double pivot – and his midfield protection – gone but he prospered here. He covers so much ground it’s impossible not to be impressed.

Jude Bellingham – 9/10

Was it a fever dream or was there really a debate about whether Bellingham started before the tournament began? Always looked like the spark here and his instinctive volley got the ball rolling. Genuine world-class talent.

Bukayo Saka – 7/10

Any England fan who criticised Arsenal’s set pieces should quietly delete those tweets. That’s two of the five goals they’ve scored here coming from Ashburton Grove. Saka’s return showed what we’ve been missing.

Morgan Rogers – 5/10

Hmm, there wasn’t a lot to get excited about here. Maybe he wasn’t deployed in his favourite role but you’d still expect more ball progression from a player with his devastating pace.

Marcus Rashford – 7/10

Did more, from an attacking perspective, in his first ten minutes than Anthony Gordon had done in two starts. But it was a bit of an erratic display with some profligacy mixed with some great stuff.

Harry Kane – 7/10

Not the all-action performance of Dallas but a third World Cup goal and he’s now the outright all-time top scorer in this competition for England. Remains Mr Reliable.

Subs

Djed Spence – 6/10

England’s last man standing at right-back. He did fine but England will be worried about the number of injuries they’ve got there.

Noni Madueke – 6/10

Some nice flashes of pace as England stretched tired Panama legs.

Eberechi Eze – 6/10

Didn’t have much time to impress.

Read more

England: I took England fans’ rip-off £75 train journey in the US

Mark Douglas: Trust David Beckham to make the World Cup all about himself

Jordan Henderson – 6/10

Few minutes at the end felt like recognition for his work behind-the-scenes in the camp.

Ollie Watkins – 6/10

A few minutes at the end for England’s striking plan B.

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