Spain 2-3 England: player ratings from the Nations League tie

The best marks for the home side were earned by the substitute scorer Paco Alcácer and Marcos Alonso – but England’s Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford were superior

England

Jordan Pickford Horrible moment of overplaying should have resulted in conceding a penalty, but his bold pass helped create the first goal. 6

Kieran Trippier Carried on his World Cup form. Blocked, blocked and blocked again, but was accomplished all round. 8

Joe Gomez When the pressure was on in the second half he stood strong. His passing was an asset too. 8

Harry Maguire Some shaky moments and got a booking to boot, but largely nullified Spain’s threat from crosses. 7

Ben Chilwell Not as effective as against Croatia but has an old head on young shoulders and stood up to the defensive task. 6

Eric Dier His needless, aggressive, sliding tackle on Sergio Ramos set the tone. Efficient and effective. 7

Harry Winks A fine performance in only his second international. Strikingly comfortable on the ball, especially in tight spaces. 7

Ross Barkley His chipped pass opened up the space for the third goal and confidence bloomed. Athleticism was an advantage. 8

Raheem Sterling Brought Manchester City form to an England shirt. Two goals, the first a beauty, and smart, aggressive play on the flanks. 9

Marcus Rashford Scored with a fine finish, provided an even better assist and never stopped working. No longer a fringe player. 9

Harry Kane He failed to score, but he did everything else. The captain thrived alongside his partners. 9

Substitutes: Kyle Walker (for Barkley 76) 7; Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Trippier 85) 6; Nathaniel Chalobah (for Winks 90) 6.

Marcos Alonso (left) and Paco Alcácer
Marcos Alonso (left) and Paco Alcácer, two of Spain’s better players on the night, celebrate after the latter’s headed goal. Photograph: Cristina Quicler/AFP/Getty Images

Spain

David de Gea Not much he could do about any of the goals, not confident by any stretch. 6

Jonny Could have scored after four minutes but England’s first goal came down his side and was subdued thereafter. Booked. 5

Sergio Ramos Scored a punchy diving header at the last and asserted himself as usual, but was also effectively targeted by England. 6

Nacho Got spun like a top in the first half and never recovered, will not look back on this match with fondness. 5

Marcos Alonso Spain’s best player, though he too was exposed by England’s attack. Constant option going forward. 7

Sergio Busquets Was set about by England from the off and never got to establish his rhythm. Even passed the ball out of play. 5

Thiago Alcântara Flicks, tricks and all round impudence but this talented player could not find a way to effect the match. 5

Saúl Ñíguez Man of the match at Wembley last month, anonymous in southern Spain. Subbed with half an hour to go. 5

Iago Aspas Offered very little, later substituted, and did not show the technical ability to trouble England’s defence. 4

Marco Asensio Spain’s best opportunities in the first hour all fell to him and he squandered them all. Flattered to deceive. 4

Rodrigo Applied himself well and should have won a penalty. 6

Substitutes: Dani Ceballos (for Aspas 57) 6; Paco Alcácer (for Saúl 57) 7; Álvaro Morata (for Rodrigo 72) 6.

Contributor

Paul MacInnes

The GuardianTramp

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