‘Helpless to the point of explosion’: Jude Bellingham’s disappointing performance today as he couldn’t integrate and create opportunities for Cole Palmer – England were having trouble before the draw with Denmark.
After a dull game against Denmark, England missed the chance to win their group and go to the round of 16 with one game to spare.
Gareth Southgate kept the same team against Denmark, even though England was having a tough second half of their first game against Serbia. England beat Denmark in the 2021 semi-final at Wembley.
Southgate didn’t listen to the opinion that he should leave out Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden after a bad start. When Harry Kane scored his 64th goal for his country, making it 1-0, the game got better.
Southgate wouldn’t take off Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden, so the game got off to a slow start. But Harry Kane scored his 64th goal for his country, giving the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.
He tied the game with a great long-range shot in the 34th minute. Another drop in England’s level was due to poor play.
What did the England team do in Frankfurt, though?
Jordan Pickford – 6
Became England’s record appearance maker at major tournaments and produced another solid display in between the sticks. No blame attached for the goal.
Kyle Walker – 6
Suffered an early injury scare when his ankle appeared to give way on the turf. Did excellently for Kane’s opener when he pickpocketed Victor Kristiansen down the right.
John Stones – 6
A few moments of sloppiness but generally defended well, particularly with crosses into the box.
Marc Guehi – 7
Looked assured again in just his second start at a major tournament. One iffy moment that he recovered well from. Still only 23, expect him to be a regular at the heart of England’s backline for years to come.
Kieran Trippier – 5
Continues to deputise well at left-back but you get the sense that a fit Luke Shaw would give the team much more balance.
Declan Rice – 5
The Arsenal man made a number of vital interceptions but did misplace more passes than usual.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
Played some nice passes in between the lines but you get the impression that the midfield experiment might not be working. Replaced by Conor Gallagher in the 53rd minute.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Wasn’t able to take the game by the scruff of the neck as he so often does and didn’t quite get going.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Denmark clearly had a plan for him after seeing the damage he did to Serbia in the first game. Offered a threat with his running in behind but not his best England display.
Phil Foden – 5
Showed some promise when popping up in his favourite positions, including one slaloming run in the first half and a strike against the post in the second. But we are still not seeing him excel on the international stage.
Harry Kane – 5
The skipper scored his 64th England goal with a composed left-footed finish but his overall showing wasn’t all that impressive. He gave away the ball cheaply from a throw-in for Denmark’s leveller and him dropping deep left England a little short in attack. Taken off for Watkins.
