Republic of Ireland 0-2 England: Nations League player ratings

Republic of Ireland

Caoimhín Kelleher Great save to deny Kane from point-blank range in the first half. The Liverpool goalkeeper was well beaten for both goals but kept things respectable. 7

Séamus Coleman Up for the fight but lack of pace these days was badly exposed by Gordon. Had to come off after Maguire accidentally trod on him. 5

Related: Rice and Grealish start new England era with Nations League victory in Ireland

Nathan Collins Brilliant block to deny Kane early on but couldn’t do anything to stop Rice from scoring. A busy afternoon for the Brentford defender. 6

Dara O’Shea Back in the Premier League after joining Ipswich from Burnley and showed signs of his ability on the ball as Ireland improved in the second half. 6

Matt Doherty The Wolves wing-back struggled to cope with the marauding Grealish and Gordon and rarely had a chance to get forward. 4

Jayson Molumby Managed to get one up on Grealish early on and then headed over from a corner. The West Brom midfielder was second best after that. 5

Will Smallbone Totally outclassed and out-thought by Rice. The Southampton midfielder was chasing shadows for much of the afternoon. 4

Robbie Brady Had his hands full keeping Saka quiet down the right. Still has a wicked set-piece delivery but only had sparing opportunities to show it. 5

Chiedozie Ogbene One of the few bright sparks for Ireland. New Ipswich signing has bundles of pace and caused England problems down their left flank. 7

Adam Idah Laboured in attack and the Celtic player could not direct the only real chance that fell to him on target during the first half. 5

Sammie Szmodics Saw shot saved by Pickford early on but lost his cool when needlessly fouling Gordon. Missed a great chance to pull one back. 5

Substitutes
Jake O’Brien (for Coleman 57) Settled things down for Ireland on only his second senior appearance. Booked. 6
Jason Knight (for Doherty 57) Outpaced Gordon in a dangerous break. 6
Alan Brown (for Smallbone 75) N/A
Kasey McAteer (for Idah 75) N/A
Evan Ferguson (for Brady 82) N/A

England

Jordan Pickford Good save early on to deny Szmodics. Not much to do otherwise apart from running to check on Everton teammate Coleman’s injury. 7

Trent Alexander-Arnold Showed how dangerous he can be. Brilliant pass was catalyst for opening goal and he dictated the tempo when stepping into midfield. 8

Marc Guéhi Composed and calm as ever, he rarely put a foot wrong despite starting in an unfamiliar position to Maguire’s right. 7

Harry Maguire Back in the fold after missing Euro 2024 with injury. Looked short of match fitness but always provides a threat from set pieces. 7

Levi Colwill Adapted well to his hybrid role as England switched to a back three in possession. Gave the defence a nice balance and looked assured on the ball. 7

Declan Rice A brilliant finish and set the tone for England throughout. Enjoyed more licence to get forward and also provided the assist for Grealish’s goal. 9

Related: Lee Carsley lets England players make all right noises in smooth audition | Jacob Steinberg

Kobbie Mainoo Booked for a late challenge on Ogbene but looked assured in his deeper central role and gave England a secure platform to attack from. 7

Jack Grealish Heated early on after tempers flared but seemed to thrive on being pantomime villain. No holding back on celebrations for his goal. 8

Bukayo Saka Not quite up to the high standards he has set so far this season, although the Arsenal forward almost got his reward with a late goal. 7

Harry Kane Missed two chances in the first half and will be disappointed he didn’t extend his goalscoring record. Caused problems by dropping deep. 7

Anthony Gordon A lively presence down the left flank and showed that he could be a long-term contender for that side of England’s attack. 7

Substitutes
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Grealish 77) Mesmerising pass with outside of boot on his debut. 7
Angel Gomes (for Mainoo 77) Took up intelligent positions. 7
Eberechi Eze (for Gordon 77) Couldn’t direct follow-up header on target. 6
Jarrod Bowen (for Kane 84) Almost scored twice late on. 6
John Stones (for Maguire 84) N/A