England bowed out of the World Cup in dramatic fashion on Saturday evening with a 2-1 defeat to France engulfed in controversy.
Much was made of referee Wilton Sampaio’s decision to allow Aurelien Tchouameni‘s goal to stand after Bukayo Saka was brought down in the build-up, as well as his failure to award the Three Lions a penalty for an apparent trip on Harry Kane in the first half.
But Gareth Southgate‘s side fell just short again at a major tournament and will now head home and start their preparations for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Sportsmail’s Chris Sutton has rated all of England’s players at the tournament, which saw the Three Lions clock three wins, one draw and one defeat.
England bowed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage on Saturday after a 2-1 defeat to defending champions France
Sportsmail’s Chris Sutton has rated every England player’s performance at the tournament
GOALKEEPERS
Jordan Pickford 6/10
Though I think he could have saved Aurelien Tchouameni’s shot, Pickford had a steady World Cup overall as England’s first-choice goalkeeper. No clangers of note from the Everton man.
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
One appearance at right back as a substitute when England were cruising against Wales. Had Reece James been available, I’m still not sure Alexander-Arnold would have even made this England squad.
Kyle Walker – 8
There had been so much talk about England’s right back facing Kylian Mbappe and he locked down France’s superstar. Walker enjoyed a fine World Cup after taking over from Kieran Trippier.
Kyle Walker enjoyed a fine tournament at right back after taking over from Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier – 7
Started against Iran and the USA. Newcastle’s Trippier did well at right back, bringing a nice balance down that wing and getting England off to a good start in the tournament.
Luke Shaw – 7
t was Shaw or bust down England’s left-hand side. Manchester United’s left back stayed fit and was defensively sound, putting in good performances throughout this World Cup.
John Stones – 7
Stones hardly put a foot wrong at this World Cup. Despite our fears at the start of the tournament, his partnership with Maguire turned out to be a strong one.
John Stone hardly put a foot wrong and formed a strong partnership with Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire – 7
Could Maguire have locked on to Olivier Giroud to stop him scoring France’s winning header? Maybe. But he had a solid tournament in spite of his lack of game time for Manchester United.
Eric Dier – 5
Just the two substitute appearances for Dier when England were coasting to victories against 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 game time for his club
Eric Dier was used sparingly and didn’t have too much of a chance to make an impact in Qatar
MIDFIELDERS
Declan Rice – 7
Tremendous anticipation for knowing when to break up play. Rice has that sixth sense. He was a must-start in England’s midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and enjoyed a decent tournament.
Jude Bellingham – 8.5
England’s best player at this World Cup. So mature for a 19-year-old midfielder. When Kane missed his penalty, this lad was the first to run to his captain and pick him up.
Jude Bellingham was England’s best player in Qatar and was so mature for a 19-year-old
Jordan Henderson was an inspired inclusion and former a good relationship with Bellingham
Jordan Henderson – 7
It turned out to be an inspired decision to include Henderson in England’s squad and bring him into the midfield. You can only admire the Liverpool man’s attitude and application.
Kalvin Phillips – 5
After playing such a pivotal role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, Phillips had to make do with two substitute appearances against Wales and Senegal. Quiet tournament.
Mason Mount – 6
Mount is not having a particularly strong season for Chelsea and he didn’t blow us away at the World Cup. But you know what you’re going to get from the midfielder in terms of work rate.
Mason Mount had a quiet tournament despite winning England’s second penalty versus France
FORWARDS
Harry Kane 7.5
Kane is so much more than a goalscorer. He contributes in so many ways. I can’t help but feel for him after that missed penalty against France.
Raheem 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’s OK after that family emergency.
Phil Foden – 7
There was outrage when Foden wasn’t used against the USA. That’s because he is so influential in his play. When he got the chance, Manchester City’s starlet played some lovely football.
Captain Harry Kane will always rue the missed penalty against France in the quarter-final
Phil Foden played some lovely football when he finally got his chance in the Three Lions side
Bukayo Saka – 8
England’s best player against France. We should check Saka’s boots for PVA glue because the ball sticks to them. Arsenal’s winger enjoyed an excellent tournament.
Jack Grealish – 6
Grealish’s opportunities were limited. He didn’t start a single game and many people, including myself, 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 a the tournament this winter
Marcus Rashford – 7.5
Just the one start for Rashford but he responded to that opportunity with two goals against Wales in the group. Manchester United’s forward leaves this World Cup with his head held high.
Callum Wilson – 6
Wilson was at this World Cup to deputise for Kane. He got a couple of outings, showing his unselfish side as he set up Grealish to score against Iran.
Did not feature: Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, Ben White, Conor Coady, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison.
Marcus Rashford was England’s joint-top goalscorer and can leave with his head held high