England 3-0 Wales: Player ratings as the Three Lions thump neighbours in friendly

Dominic Calvert-Lewin opens the scoring for England from a Jack Grealish cross
Dominic Calvert-Lewin opens the scoring for England from a Jack Grealish cross

England beat Wales by three goals in an international friendly that took its time to spring into life. Everton's in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring for England and kept drawing from his rich vein of form.

Conor Coady would then extend their lead in the second half with a calm finish at the end of a lovely set-piece delivery by Trippier before Danny Ings made it 3-0 with an exquisite overhead kick.

This was the youngest starting XI England have fielded in 44 years and it would be fair to say that the kids gave a good account of themselves. Though Wales had the majority of possession in the first half and had twice as many attempts as England, they never really looked like scoring.

In the second half though, it was all England and Wales looked like they were always chasing shadows. Gareth Southgate will be happy with how the youngsters fared and will go home tonight with much to think about ahead of England's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Without further ado, let's take a look at how the England players fared tonight.


England Player Ratings

Nick Pope - 7/10

Bravely dealt with the threat on the rare occasion when he was called upon. Made a couple of important blocks near the hour mark and did nothing wrong. Kept a cleansheet.

Joe Gomez - 6/10

Gomez had a decent outing. The Liverpool defender did not have much to do but stayed switched on. Came off for Tyrone Mings near the hour mark.

Conor Coady - 7/10

Made a meal of a good chance to put England ahead in the 38th minute. But Coady made up for it by scoring his first goal for the Three Lions from a lovely Kieran Trippier set-piece delivery.

Michael Keane - 7/10

Operated well in the backline more often than not. Gave away the ball cheaply a couple of times in the first half but hardly put a foot wrong in the second.

Kieran Trippier - 7/10

Captained the England side but didnt do a whole lot until he whipped in a beautiful cross off a set-piece in the 54th minute of the game for Coady to stroke home. Taken off for Reece James in the 58th

Kalvin Phillips - 7/10

Playing in a double midfield pivot, the Leeds United midfielder did not have a great first-half. However, he looked sharper in the second half and made himself available to receive the ball and passed it on without any hint of sluggishness.

Harry Winks - 6/10

Had new partners in midfield and it was an ordinary outing for Winks. Winks failed to progress the ball like he should have and shied away from passing the ball forward on one too many occasions.

Bukayo Saka - 6/10

It was a nervy debut for the 19-year-old. Saka misplaced a few passes and did not get involved in attack anywhere as close to what he would have liked in the first half. He grew into the game in the second and looked more confident. Very nearly scored a debut goal but was denied by Wayne Hennessey.

Danny Ings - 8/10

Ings supported Calvert Lewin well in the final third with his movement and decision making. Scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 64th minute. Came close to a second goal but his curled effort was denied by an excellent Hennessey save. Would have given Southgate something to think about with that performance.

Jack Grealish - 8/10

Grealish was easily the best player on the pitch. Looked the most likely to make the difference and he did with his excellent cross for Dominic Calvert Lewin's opener. Tracked back well and it was such a confident showing from the Aston Villa man.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 8/10

Calvert-Lewin is blossoming into a solid striker. Always a threat in the air, he hardly lost a long ball played into his path. Popped up in the right place to nod home to seal a goal on his international debut.

Substitutes

Reece James - 6/10

The Chelsea man was tidy in defence and showed eagerness to get forward as well.

Tyrone Mings - 7/10

Sent it back to Ings from a corner for the Southampton man to take England's lead to three. Kept things tidy at the back.

Mason Mount - 6/10

Released Saka for a chance to take England's lead to four. Looked energetic but did not get enough opportunities to affect the game.

Harvey Barnes - N/A

Came on for Grealish. Didn't have time to do anything of note.

Maitland-Niles - N/A

Subbed in for Bukayo Saka. Maitland-Niles caused problems to the tired Wales defenders, taking them on and beating them and was slick with his passing.

James Ward Prowse - N/A

Came on for Winks. Spread the ball well. Had one shot on goal in the final minute of the game. Didnt spend enough time on the field to affect the game.

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