England v Malta player ratings

Joe Hart - He probably should have brought a paper and some slippers along for this match. The Torino goalkeeper had nothing to deal with all night. He wasn’t required to make a single save. 5

Kyle Walker - With Malta sitting deep for the entire match England’s full-backs played largely as wingers, with Walker probably the more effective of the two. His crossing caused problems in the opposition box. 7

John Stones - The centre-back found himself for much of the match playing as something of a midfielder such was the lack of pressure on the England defence. His presence was another reason why Southgate’s decision to play two deep-lying midfielders was puzzling. 6

Gary Cahill - He should have found the net, skewing a shot wide of the target from a matter of yards, but Cahill enjoyed an otherwise fuss-free evening. That was largely down to a lack of pressure from Malta, but the Chelsea man will be pleased with his display, as eventless as it was. 6

Ryan Bertrand - The left-back lasted only 20 minutes before succumbing to a hamstring injury. Disappointing for Bertrand. 4

Jordan Henderson - The best player on the pitch for England. Henderson managed to find the balance between offering himself as a midfield pass-master and splitting the opposition defence with balls and crosses in behind. 8

Dele Alli - Another demonstration of what makes Alli so exciting as a prospect, although he’ll be disappointed that he didn’t notch more than just once. Along with Henderson, he was the most creative man on the pitch. 7

Theo Walcott - This was his big opportunity, on the back of some exceptional form for Arsenal, to show that he deserves a place in the England lineup, but his crossing was generally poor and allowed the game to pass him by until replaced on the 70-minute mark. 5

Wayne Rooney - A player without a position and a role. Gareth Southgate presumably wanted him to play as a quarter-back, but too frequently he found himself playing on the toes of Jordan Henderson. 5

Jesse Lingard - The Manchester United man showed why he warrants a place in the England squad with a quietly effective display. Lingard’s movement provided England with an option throughout, although he could have been sharper in front of goal. 7

Daniel Sturridge - Opened the scoring with a well-taken header, but should have held his position better as the number nine. Too many times England looked to play the ball into the box only to find nobody there. 6

Subs

Danny Rose - Handed his chance off the bench for the injured Bertrand after just 20 minutes, Rose performed well enough, linking up well with Lingard down the left side of the pitch. 6

Marcus Rashford - The teenager is inherently productive, even when he comes off the bench for the final 15 minutes of a game growing more and more insipid. Rashford created a golden opportunity for Alli and should have notched an assist were it not for his teammate blasting over. 6

Jamie Vardy - Brought on to inject some energy and intensity to an England team that had fallen flat midway through the second half, Vardy struggled to find space in a packed Maltese penalty area. 5