in ,

England Player Ratings Against Sweden

England in defeating Sweden last night for once came from behind to win a tournament game. Whilst it was a great night for Roy Hodgson, for some players it was a poor night. How did they rate though?

Joe Hart – Wasn’t helped out for either goal. Another steady performance from England’s #1. His fantastic save to deny Zlatan Imbrahimovic on 75 minutes shortly before Danny Welbeck’s winner shouldn’t be forgotten. 7/10 

Glen Johnson – After a shaky performance against France, the right-back emerged from a nervous start to put in another good performance. His positioning at the back isn’t perfect. Looks great going forward.  Unlucky to score own-goal. 7/10

Joleon Lescott – Dealt with Johan Elmander well and looks to have found his feet at International level. Is a certainty to start against Ukraine where he will have to stay in the heart of box at set-pieces to avoid a repeat of Mellberg’s goal. 6/10.

John Terry – Looked as if his legs had finally ran out in the first half when troubled by Ibrahimovic. Kept going and should have put England level with a header. Needs to have a good rest before Tuesday to avoid being embarrassed by Andri Shevchenko. 6/10

Ashley Cole – Not one of the Chelsea man’s best performance in England but as usual he kept going and kept his cool. Shouldn’t really have been in the heart of the defence at the free-kick for Olof Mellberg’s goal though. 6/10

Ashley Young – Strangely England’s best player over the last year or so failed to turn up. Was marked tightly by West Brom’s Jonas Olssen and disappeared in the second-half. Should have done better with his first-half chance. 5/10.

Scott Parker –  Like Ronseal the hard-working midfielder does what he says on the tin. Yet again he made some valuable blocks and played the anchor-role well all night. Would have put England ahead early on, but for a fine save from Isaksson. 6/10

Steven Gerrard – A better performance from the skipper than the one he put in against France. Saw more of the ball in an attacking-area. Provided a great cross for Andy Carroll’s goal, before seeing late-chance saved. 7/10

James Milner – Could very easily be left out against Ukraine after an indifferent performance. Lost the ball a lot and gave away the free-kick that led to Sweden’s second with a petty foul on Martin Olsson. Hauled off soon after. 4/10.

Andy Carroll – Put in arguably his best performance in an England shirt. Led the line well scoring a fantastic header and defended well particularly in the second-half. Only blemish conceding the foul that led to Sweden’s first goal. 8/10

Danny Welbeck – Looks tailor-made to be a success at International level. Led the line well and came up with moment of magic for the winner as he flicked the ball in with heel with his back to goal. A cert to start alongside Rooney against Ukraine. 8/10

Subs:

Theo Walcott – After three and a half years since THAT hat-trick against Croatia, Arsenal’s winger finally left his mark on an England game. Despite seeing a lucky shot loop in after coming on, he looked a threat and caused Sweden problems. 9/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Was forced to wait 2-3 minutes on the sidelines due to the ball staying in-play before coming on for Welbeck late on. Looked lively and would have scored but for Gerrard nicking the away from him. 6/10

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87

Welbeck Winner Sees England Strike Back To Beat Sweden

Young Shouldn’t Be Dropped For Ukraine Game