England ratings

England v Hungary

Player Ratings

Joe Hart – Solid game from the new England No 1, he was assured and confident when coming for cross’s and made an excellent save in the dying minutes from Gera. Was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet but could do nothing to stop the goal that shouldn’t have been given. 7/10

Ashley Cole - Was targeted early by the boo-boys and was probably the one World Cup player that didn’t deserve boo’s (although his status about hating England didn’t help) went forward well early on and kept Hungarian defenders busy with his runs. 7/10

Phil Jagielka – Was a threat early on as England bombarded the Hungarian area with corners, two chances early on he was close to scoring, was unlucky with the deflection that scored the own goal that was wrongly given. Defended well, using his strength to keep the Hungarians off the ball. 7/10

John Terry – Nothing special but made no mistakes either, coped well with the attacking threat and formed a good understanding with Jagielka early on, also played some nice balls out of defence linking well with players in front of him. 7/10

Glen Johnson – A threat going forward however, as usual, looked vulnerable defensively conceding a couple of silly free kicks. Linked play well but needs to improve defensive side of his game. 6/10

Gareth Barry – Should be worried by the threat of a natural defensive midfielder in Jack Rodwell, was tidy but didn’t keep a close on Gera when he should have been closer. If Owen Hargreaves was fit then Barry wouldn’t get a look in, will keep his place by default until Hargreaves is fit or Rodwell plays more. 5.5/10

Steven Gerrard – A quiet first half when alongside Lampard but after half time was a different player, a threat going forward scoring a lovely long range shot we’re used to seeing him do with Liverpool and for the second displayed excellent footwork in beating the players close to him before a lovely finish to seal the win, deservedly picking up MOM award 9/10

Frank Lampard – His automatic starting place has to be under question now after another mediocre display. Misplaced passes and didn’t contribute much in the first half except holding back Gerrard. When he went off at half time Gerrard was freed up and the midfield looked a lot more attacking without him, easily the Flop of the match 4.5/10

Theo Walcott – His pace was always a threat however this match further showed why Capello left him behind for World Cup with his poor final ball & decision making. Once he gets his delivery sorted he will be a real threat to any defence, clearly listened to Capello’s instructions and tried to beat his defender on the outside and get to the by-line. 6.5/10

Wayne Rooney – Again suffered from close attention of defenders but worked well for the team, winning and holding the ball up effectively and drawing fouls. Nearly scored with an excellent run but was just a yard offside, targeted by boo boys and was booed when he was subbed, unfairly so in my opinion as Rooney is a key player and he has to deal with a huge amount of pressure. 6/10

Adam Johnson – Could have scored after 12 mins with a cracking long range effort but was unlucky to see it sail inches over the bar, suffered in the first half as his team mates didn’t find him very often however was much better in the 2nd half when he was moved to the right, could be a valubale asset if he can switch wings during games. 7/10

Substitutes

Kieran Gibbs – on at half time for Ashley Cole and looked very good, very good defensively and excellent going forward as well, linked up with Ashley Young several times and despite being their first game together at senior level developed a great understanding. 7.5/10

Michael Dawson – Came on for John Terry at half time however looked out of his depth, dived in to a tackle that resulted in the Hungary goal, tried to recover and did manage to clear the ball of the loan atoning for his mistake in the build up but ball was incorrectly given as over the line. 6.5/10

James Milner – replaced Wayne Rooney and linked up well with his team mates, provided a couple of good balls to start attacks with and covers lots of positions, not enough time to make a real impact though. 6/10

Ashley Young – On for Theo Walcott at half time and provided a threat from the left by cutting in and crossing with his right foot. Final ball was not great but gave a good account of himself and is an option on either flank, linked up well with Kieran Gibbs to provide good attacking options down the left. If he improves his final ball he will be pushing not only for a squad spot but also a starting place. 7.5/10

Bobby Zamora – In one game showed himself to be better than Emile Heskey at the Emile Heskey role, put himself about the defenders very well causing all sorts of problems and held the ball up well playing in his team mates. Had a ferocious 25 yard shot well tipped over by Kiraly after taking the ball and turning well, only thing against him is being 29 years old for his debut but can do a very good job for England if given the chance 7/10

Jack Wilshere – First impact was to give away a free kick for a studs up tackle and didn’t really have much time to make an impact. However showed some promise with a few neat pass’s and could be a good replacement for Lampard in the future. Rating n/a