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England vs Slovenia player ratings: Southgate's side still searching for spark

  /  autty

England have topped Group C after a goalless draw with Slovenia - ranked 57th in the world - who also sealed progression as the pool's third-placed side.

Here, Sky Sports rates the England players from their final group match in Cologne...

Jordan Pickford - 6

Only had one save to make. Can be assured of being busier as the tournament progresses, but swept up well enough.

Kyle Walker - 6

Plays the role of covering defender, utilising his electric pace, really well - which was needed in the opening exchanges. Still more to give going forward.

John Stones - 6

A calming voice. Still waiting for the 'step out of defence Stones' we see playing for Manchester City in the Premier League to materialise. Perhaps he's under instruction to be cautious but there's more to offer, surely?

Marc Guehi - 7

Solid. Questions were asked of his positional intelligence a few times in the first half and he passed the test with flying colours - front-footed too. Any signs of a flap on his major tournament debut? Not yet, albeit he did pick up a yellow following a rare mix-up with Stones.

Kieran Tripper - 6

Got booked for an early foul and was caught upfield on a few occasions. Much brighter on the ball, teasing a particularly good cross from the left towards Kane first half, and linked productively with Foden in moments.

Declan Rice - 6

Fluency in midfield remains a problem, and dare we say it, Declan Rice is missing his mate. No one is suggesting Kalvin Phillips was in any condition to feature at this tournament but familiarity, or lack of, is a major problem for England. No connections, no creativity. As Gary Neville summarised during ITV's half-time analysis, England look "basic", and ideas are lacking most in the middle third of the pitch. Improved as the game went on but just ok.

Conor Gallagher - 5

Sloppy. Lost the ball more times than he retained it, but was, at least, aggressive and combative out of possession. Hooked at half-time does not exactly scream positivity, though.

Jude Bellingham - 6

Slightly untidy in possession, and failed, for the most part, to recover his composure. We'd like Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham to arrive, please.

Bukayo Saka - 7

Typically energetic. Wanted the ball, and was positive with it. Perhaps lacking slightly in end product but remains one of England's brighter sparks at this tournament.

Harry Kane - 6

Kane's first touch inside the box came in the 28th minute but he lost the ball. Six more followed, none managed to make an impact. Plenty of huff and puff but questions will remain over the captain's fitness following another indifferent display.

Phil Foden - 7

More willing to run behind, with Kane dropping ever deeper to link play. Bit of quick movement and ingenuity nearly produced the opening goal, which Saka rounded off before the offside flag was raised. By far England's most dynamic attacking threat.

Substitutes

Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher) - 7

Tried to change the pace of England's passing to good effect. Willing to run, willing to receive the ball in tight areas, and looked to play forwards. Improved midfield balance too.

Cole Palmer (for Saka) - 7

Positive. Direct. Gave England's flank a different dimension. Shot in stoppage time lacked conviction but at least he was well-placed to take it on.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Trippier) - n/a

Confirmed: the midfield experiment is over. Alexander-Arnold spent the final six minutes of this game at full-back.