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England player ratings from World Cup semi-final

sam elliott
Tough to take: how did England’s players rate out of ten against Croatia
Tough to take: how did England’s players rate out of ten against Croatia

England’s World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end tonight in Moscow as Croatia inflicted a killer blow in extra time.

A first final since 1966 wasn’t to be once Mario Mandzukic put a dagger through English hearts.

READ MORE: England’s World Cup dream ended by Croatia

READ MORE: Joy then despair as England reach the end of the world

It’s been a tournament to remember of course, but it was tough to take for Gareth Southgate and his young side.

Here is how they rated on Wednesday night as the dream died in Russia.

Jordan Pickford 7

His save in extra time was world class. Mario Mandzukic had no idea how he did it, but punished the keeper for wrecking his moment soon enough.

Big moment: England’s Kieran Trippier was the Man of the Match in Moscow
Big moment: England’s Kieran Trippier was the Man of the Match in Moscow

Kieran Trippier 8

His first goal in getting on for three years. Worth the wait but how he deserved a little more focus from those around him.

Kyle Walker 5

England’s last game was like its first for the Manchester City man. He really, really should have done better when the ball came into the box as Croatia levelled.

So close: John Stones challenges for the ball with Croatia’s Ante Rebic
So close: John Stones challenges for the ball with Croatia’s Ante Rebic

John Stones 7

Bailed England out a number of times but wasn’t quick enough to react for the winner. Mandzukic certainly wasn’t sleeping.

Harry Maguire 6

A number of awkward deflections off him but didn’t let anyone down again. He will be hurting more than any.

Ashley Young 6

Sometimes seen as England’s weak link but not tonight. Sensible to bring Danny Rose on for extra time for fresh legs.

Flying start: Jordan Henderson didn’t hold back when England went in front but he didn’t have a night to remember
Flying start: Jordan Henderson didn’t hold back when England went in front but he didn’t have a night to remember

Jordan Henderson 6

Went missing after half-time and was rightly withdrawn. Couldn’t stem the Croatian tide however much he attempted to.

Jesse Lingard 7

A number of wonderful threaded passes but had the time to lift his 35th minute shot. His lack of composure ultimately proved costly.

Dele Alli 6

So much poise and better than so many give him credit for but became leggy as the second-half minutes ticked by.

Raheem Sterling 6

Led Lovern and Vida a merry dance in the first half but really ran out of puff as Croatia eventually found their feet.

Not his night: Six-goal Harry Kane really should have scored in the first half
Not his night: Six-goal Harry Kane really should have scored in the first half

Harry Kane 6

A chance towards the end of each half went begging. Big chances. To win massive games, you can’t afford to spurn them.

Substitutes:

Marcus Rashford (On for Sterling 72) 5

Danny Rose (On for Young ’90) 6

Eric Dier (On for Henderson ’96) 6

Jamie Vardy (On for Walker 112) 5