England vs Algeria - how the players rated
England vs Algeria - how the players rated
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Saturday, 19, Jun 2010 11:36
Chris Jefferies takes a deep breath and reflects on England's individual performances as their World Cup hopes hang in the balance.
David James (6) - Didn't have much to do, but didn't drop any clangers, and so massively outshone his predecessor.
Glen Johnson (6) - Gave England an extra edge going forward, but his defensive skills are still yet to be properly tested.
Ashley Cole (6) - Much the same as Johnson, but never really showed the incisive running that characterised Chelsea's title run-in.
John Terry (6) - A fairly solid performance, with Algeria's lack of attacking threat allowing him to go up for almost every corner.
Jamie Carragher (5) - Increasingly looking like a liability, bereft of pace and subtle as a sledgehammer in his tackling. Another yellow means he will miss the Slovenia game.
Gareth Barry (5) - Meant to be the missing ingredient that would revive the team. No sign of that value last night, but he was only one piece of a thoroughly dysfunctional midfield.
Frank Lampard (4) - For the second game in a row he failed to inspire any kind of attacking threat. Seemingly careless in his shots towards the end and could be dropped for the final game.
Aaron Lennon (5) - Directionless and inept at crossing, how Theo Walcott must be writhing in his seat back home.
Steven Gerrard (6) - The best part of an abject midfield, but never really showing his full potential, will be disappointed at how his tenure as captain is turning out.
Wayne Rooney (4) - Can't fault his effort as he dropped deep to win the ball on many occasions, but this was nothing like a world-class performance. Misjudged rant at the end may tar his reputation.
Emile Heskey (5) - Capello can hardly be surprised that he got more of the same from him. Never the man to spark this game to life, but even his legendary high-ball control let him down last night.
SUBS
Shaun Wright-Phillips (5) - Why Capello persists with him when Joe Cole is chomping at the bit is a sheer mystery. Aaron Lennon-lite.
Jermaine Defoe (5) - Had little time to make an impact, his running was rewarded by a series of over-hit through balls. Needs better supply.
Peter Crouch (5) - 30 mins of football in two games; given his impressive scoring record, especially against smaller teams, he has more right than Rooney to feel frustrated.
MANAGER
Fabio Capello (4) - Showed a complete lack of imagination in terms of team selection, tactics and formation. He must break the mould against Slovenia or England's World Cup dream could be over.