England pulled out of the World Cup in dramatic fashion on Saturday night with a 2-1 loss to controversy-engulfed France.
Much has been made of referee Wilton Sampaio’s decision to allow Aurelien Tchouamenithe goal to stand after Bukayo Saka was knocked down in the build-up, along with his failure to award the Three Lions a penalty for an apparent trip over Harry Kane in the first half.
But Gareth SouthgateThe team team failed again at a major tournament and will now return home and start their preparations for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Sportsmail’s Chris Sutton rated every England player in the tournament, which saw the Three Lions claim three wins, one draw and one loss.
England withdrew from the World Cup in the quarter-finals on Saturday after a 2-1 loss to defending champions France.
Sportsmail’s Chris Sutton assessed how each England player performed at the tournament
GUARDIANS
Jordan Pickford 6/10
Although I think he could have saved Aurelien Tchouameni’s shot, Pickford enjoyed a regular World Cup as England’s first-choice goalkeeper. No noticeable noise from the Everton man.
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexandre-Arnold – 5
An appearance at right-back as a substitute when England faced Wales. If Reece James had been available, I’m still not sure Alexander-Arnold would have even made that England squad.
Kyle Walker – 8
There had been so much talk about the England right-back facing Kylian Mbappe and he locked up the French superstar. Walker enjoyed a fine World Cup after taking over from Kieran Trippier.
Kyle Walker has had a fine tournament at right-back after taking over from Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier – 7
Started against Iran and the United States. Newcastle’s Trippier did well at right-back, providing good balance on that wing and getting England off to a good start in the tournament.
Luke Shaw – 7
It was Shaw or Bust on England’s left side. The Manchester United left-back has remained fit and has been strong defensively, putting in strong performances throughout this World Cup.
John Stones – 7
Stones did not take the wrong foot during this World Cup. Despite our fears at the start of the tournament, his partnership with Maguire proved solid.
John Stone barely took a wrong turn and formed a strong partnership with Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire – 7
Could Maguire have locked out Olivier Giroud to prevent him from scoring France’s winning header? Maybe. But he had a solid tournament despite his lack of playing time for Manchester United.
Eric Dier – 5
Just the two substitute appearances for Dier as England rode to wins over Iran and Senegal. He was there as an option in case Gareth Southgate wanted to use three at the back.
Maguire had a solid tournament despite fears over his form and lack of playing time for his club
Eric Dier was used sparingly and didn’t have too much of a chance to make an impact in Qatar
MIDFIELDS
Declan Rice – 7
Huge anticipation to know when to call off the game. Rice has that sixth sense. He was a fixture in the England midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and enjoyed a decent tournament.
Jude Bellingham – 8.5
The best English player of this World Cup. So mature for a 19-year-old midfielder. When Kane missed his penalty, this boy was the first to run to his captain and collect it.
Jude Bellingham was the best English player in Qatar and was so mature for a 19-year-old
Jordan Henderson was an inspired inclusion and had a good relationship with Bellingham
Jordan Henderson – 7
It turned out to be an inspired decision to include Henderson in the England squad and bring him into midfield. One can only admire the attitude and application of the Liverpool man.
Kalvin Phillips – 5
After playing such a pivotal role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, Phillips had to settle for two substitute matches against Wales and Senegal. Quiet tournament.
Mason mount – 6
Mount isn’t having a particularly strong season for Chelsea and he hasn’t blown us away at the World Cup. But you know what you’re going to get from the midfield in terms of work rate.
Mason Mount had a quiet tournament despite England’s second penalty against France
FORWARDERS
Harry Kane 7.5
Kane is much more than a goalscorer. It contributes in so many ways. I can’t help but have feelings for him after that missed penalty against France.
Rahim Sterling – 6
Sterling started this tournament with a point to prove amid a dodgy season with Chelsea and scored in England’s opener against Iran. We hope he is well after this family emergency.
Phil Foden – 7
There was outrage when Foden was not used against the United States. It’s because he’s so influential in his game. When given the chance, the Manchester City starlet has played some great football.
Captain Harry Kane will always regret the missed penalty against France in the quarter-finals
Phil Foden played some great football when he finally got his chance at the Three Lions side
Bukayo Saka – 8
England’s best player against France. We should check Saka’s boots for PVA glue because the bullet sticks to them. The Arsenal winger had a great tournament.
Jack Grealish – 6
Grealish’s opportunities were limited. He didn’t start a single game and a lot of people, myself included, were wondering why he was only brought on in the 89th minute against France.
Foden, Kane and Bukayo Saka (right) formed a formidable forward line for England at the tournament this winter
Marcus Rashford – 7.5
Just a start for Rashford but he responded to that opportunity with two goals against Wales in the group. The Manchester United striker leaves this World Cup with his head held high.
Callum Wilson – 6
Wilson was at this World Cup to replace Kane. He made a few outings, showing his selfless side as he set up Grealish to score against Iran.
Not included: Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, Ben White, Conor Coady, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison.
Marcus Rashford was England’s joint-top scorer and can leave with his head held high
