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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

England player ratings vs Italy: Harry Kane delivers forward masterclass but Kalvin Phillips off the pace

England earned revenge of a sort for the Euro 2020 final by beating Italy to qualify for Euro 2024.

In the first meeting between the teams at Wembley since that infamous night two summers ago, England fell a goal behind but delivered a highly convincing performance in front of 83,194 fans inside the national stadium.

Former West Ham flop Gianluca Scamacca put the visitors ahead after 15 minutes, but the scores were level at the break after Harry Kane had slammed home his 60th international goal from the penalty spot.

A blistering counter-attack started by Phil Foden and orchestrated by Jude Bellingham led to England taking the lead after the interval through Marcus Rashford's ruthless finish.

Gareth Southgate's side then confirmed their place at next summer's European Championships in Germany when Kane created and scored a second of the evening for himself, ensuring the final scoreline of 3-1 made for happy reading for England fans.

Dom Smith was at Wembley taking in the action…

Jordan Pickford — 6

Could do nothing about Italy's opener. Made a vital save to deny Destiny Udogie.

Kyle Walker— 7

Showed important strength to outmuscle Davide Frattesi as Italy looked to double their lead. Joked this week that he will never retire from England duty, and on current form Southgate was right to deter him from stepping away after Qatar.

John Stones — 6

Some of his distribution was misplaced, but largely this was another dominant performance from the Manchester City man.

Harry Maguire — 6

Used his physicality to good effect by outmuscling attackers, but was a little too eager to rush out for headers and challenges, leaving the rest of the back-line exposed once or twice.

Kieran Trippier — 6

Giovanni Di Lorenzo had the beating of the makeshift left-back in the first half, but Trippier consolidated after the break.

Kalvin Phillips — 4

A silly foul in just the eighth minute for mistimed tackle on Davide Frattesi provided vindication for England fans who felt his lack of Manchester City game-time would mean he's off the pace. Lucky not to be shown a second yellow when standing on Giorgio Scalvini's foot. Subbed.

Declan Rice — 7

Absolutely ubiquitous in the first half, nicking the ball and looking to free Phil Foden down the right. Solid in the second.

Phil Foden — 8

Really bright performance. Never stopped making runs, offering himself, was involved in Rashford's stunner and nearly scored himself.

Jude Bellingham — 7

Escaped unscathed from a head collision with Scalvini. Used his powerful gait to good effect.

Jude Bellingham caused Italy real problems from midfield (John Walton/PA)

Marcus Rashford — 8

Came close with a long-range free-kick which nearly had enough dip to trouble Donnarumma. Scored England's second with a monstrous finish from a rapid team move.

Harry Kane — 9

Held the ball up really responsibly as always, and scored his 60th international goal with an emphatic penalty. Scored the third goal that confirmed England's passage to Euro 2024, making it and finishing it off himself.

Subs:

Marc Guehi (Stones, 63') — 6

Slotted into the back-line well. Deserved a run-out in this international break after excellent form for Crystal Palace over the last month. One good block late on.

Jordan Henderson (Phillips, 70') — 6

Came on for his 80th cap... to more boos. Did OK.

Jack Grealish (Bellingham, 85') — N/A

Subs not used: Johnstone, Ramsdale, Dunk, Colwill, Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Watkins, Maddison, Bowen

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