How the media rated England’s players in quarter-final win over Sweden
England will play in the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1990 after beating Sweden 2-0 on Saturday.
Harry Maguire headed England into a first-half lead before Dele Alli sealed the win after the break.
We’ve calculated the average player ratings from five publications – The Telegraph, Independent, Mirror, Express and Mail – to pick out the best of the bunch.
Jordan Pickford – 8.8
The man of the match according to the majority of publications, Pickford continued his form from the end of the Colombia match to thwart Sweden on a number of occasions.
“Nothing short of brilliant,” gushed The Independent. The Express, meanwhile, dubbed the goalkeeper “phenomenal”.
Kyle Walker – 6.9
Didn’t receive the same amount of credit as the other members in England’s back three, but this was possibly Walker’s most composed performance of the tournament.
“Has made it clear he prefers playing at full back, but he is invaluable in the back three,” noted The Mirror.
John Stones – 7.6
Chanelling their inner Rudyard Kipling/Mike Basset, The Telegraph wrote: “Kept his head when some around him began losing theirs.”
READ: The dos and don’ts of tournament football, according to Mike Bassett
Harry Maguire – 8.1
The Mirror summed it up when they wrote: “What a hero!”
Maguire has quickly become the breakout star of England’s campaign, if only somebody could explain how he got this far…
READ:Â The making of Harry Maguire: From Sheffield United to the World Cup
Kieran Trippier – 7.7
Thanks to his crossing ability, Trippier has proved England’s most creative player in Russia.
The Independent admit the Spurs man “has been a revelation in Russia”; The Mail ask: “Has there been a better right-back in Russia?”
Jordan Henderson – 7.4
Given a six by The Telegraph but an eight by The Independent, Express and Mail.
The Express were so impressed, they commented: “Inch-perfect, the glue holding England together.”
Ashley Young – 7.5
Again, The Express were effusive in their praise, awarding Young a nine, adding:Â “His best game in Russia.”
Dele Alli – 7.2
Fitness issued have plagued his campaign to date but The Independent suggest the midfielder “silenced his critics” with his goal in the second half.
Dele Alli's big game goals:
2016 v Manchester United
2016 v Manchester City
2017 v Chelsea (2)
2017 v Manchester City
2017 v Chelsea
2017 v Arsenal
2017 v Liverpool
2017 v Real Madrid (2)
2018 v Chelsea (2)
2018 v Manchester United
World Cup quarter-final v Sweden— ALEX KAY-JELSKI (@AlexKJTimes) July 7, 2018
Jesse Lingard – 7.4
The Express described the Manchester United attacker as “a threatening presence”. It seems a long time since Lingard wasn’t assured of his place in the side.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Sevens all-round for Sterling, who was given something of a backhanded compliment by The Telegraph: “Still can’t finish to save his life but that should not detract from his best performance of the tournament. Electric.”
Harry Kane – 6.6
No goal, but the first England captain since 1990 to lead his side to a World Cup semi-final.
The Mirror suggest he “did look tired and jaded in the second half which must be a worry”.
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