Yahoo Sport 
Player ratings as England fall to first World Cup defeat
It wasn’t how England wanted to end the group stages, but it was a means to an end.
With a more attractive pathway now cleared, the Three Lions won’t be upset by the 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
READ MORE: Beware England – dangerous Colombia await if you throw Belgium match
READ MORE: England side-step Brazil but are under-par against second string Belgium
Manager Gareth Southgate rung the changes with qualification already assured and gave vital clues to the mindset.
But how did the stand-ins perform when they were given their big opportunity?
Yahoo Sport gives brings you the player ratings from Kaliningrad as England ended with a disappointing defeat.
Jordan Pickford 6
He wanted something to do, but didn’t have a convincing night. His fondness of parrying into the path of forwards is a great concern.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Will have given Gareth Southgate plenty to chew on. Pity for the teenager that Kieran Trippier is in such good form.
Phil Jones 6
Didn’t do much wrong but remains England’s fifth choice centre-half. Which is probably about right.
John Stones 6
A surprise selection considering his importance but was withdrawn at half-time. England conceded five minutes after. A strapped thigh will be a worry.
Gary Cahill 7
Didn’t do his chances any damage with quick-thinking to save Jordan Pickford in the early stages. Probably still fourth choice.
Danny Rose 6
Good first half but didn’t cover himself in glory with Adnan Januzaj’s winner. Looked like a tormented teenager.
Eric Dier 5
Didn’t appear match ready. Lacking sharpness, as loose touches and poor passing showed. Will remain a back-up.
Fabian Delph 5
The game, and opportunity, seemed to pass him by. He’s a holding midfielder, or left-sided defender. Dembele had it easy.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek 6
Expect to see Dele Alli back in against Colombia, but he didn’t let himself down. A very useful substitute to have.
Marcus Rashford 6
Missed a golden chance which the nation would have slammed Sterling for. Probably back to the bench for the last 16.
Jamie Vardy 5
It’s not his fault he’s not Harry Kane, but has offered next to no threat so far in the World Cup.
Substitutes:
Harry Maguire 5 (On for Stones ‘46)
Would have probably preferred to stay on the sidelines. Struggled with Januzaj.
Danny Welbeck 6 (On for Alexander-Arnold)
Had little time to make an impact but showed some energy.
