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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross & Simon Mullock

England player ratings as Harry Maguire hailed for "best display" in drab USA match

England remain on course to reach the last 16 of the World Cup - but there were boos at the final whistle from fans who had travelled 3,000 miles to be there.

The Three Lions claimed a point to stay top of Group B, but after the euphoria of the 6-2 victory over Iran on Monday night this was a hugely disappointing performance by Gareth Southgate’s men.

And some fans briefly voiced their disapproval at the end. England only need a draw against Wales on Tuesday to continue in the tournament - and a win will secure top spot. They could even lose, as long as they don't go down by four goals.

Both of those results would end Welsh dreams of reaching the knock-out stages following the sending off of keeper Wayne Hennessey in the devastating 2-0 defeat by Iran earlier in the day. England have now played the United States at three World Cup tournaments - and are yet to win a game.

After an encouraging start which saw Harry Kane miss England’s best chance, the Three Lions struggled to get to grips with the energetic Americans. Weston McKennie volleyed a simple opportunity over and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic hit the bar as Southgate’s men were second best.

There was a slight improvement after the break when Southgate introduced Jack Grealish, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford. But England never looked likely to secure the win that would guarantee their qualification after just two games.

Kane was passed fit despite suffering an ankle injury in the win over Iran - but the England captain was a shadow of his usual self. Mirror Football's John Cross was at the At Bayt Stadium in Qatar and run the rule over Gareth Southgate's men. Here are his Three Lions ratings...

ENGLAND (4-3-3)

Jordan Pickford: 7

Looked in command and, despite pressure, was a reassuring presence in goal.

Kieran Trippier: 6

Good defensively on a tough night but his set pieces were a little off key.

John Stones: 7

Really good defensively. Read danger, made blocks and recovered brilliantly.

Harry Maguire: 8

On his 50th cap, this was a throwback to one of his best display.

Harry Maguire celebrated his half-century with an assured performance (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Luke Shaw: 7

One of England’s better players - especially going forward. Solid and reliable.

Declan Rice: 7

Shielded England’s defence, worked hard and showed his quality amid sloppiness.

Jude Bellingham: 6

He was terrific in the opener, not so good this time. Hooked early. Disappointing.

Mason Mount: 6

Had a good shot well saved but was nowhere near as good or as effective.

Bukayo Saka: 5

Disappointing display. Was so good against Iran but was off key this time.

Raheem Sterling: 6

Some nice moments - but not enough. Needed to work harder but looked flat.

Harry Kane: 6

The big question is: was he fit? After his injury scare this week, he looked sluggish.

Substitutes

Henderson, for Bellingham, 68 mins

Grealish, for Sterling, 68 mins

Rashford, for Saka, 78)

Walker, Rashford, Pope, Phillips, Dier, Coady, Alexander-Arnold, Foden, White, Ramsdale, Wilson, Gallagher

United States (4-3-3): Turner 7; Dest 7 (Moore, 78), Zimmerman 7, Ream 7, Robinson 7, McKennie 7 (Aaronson, 78), Adams 7, Musah 7, Weah 7, Wright 6, Pulisic 8.

Man of the match: Harry Maguire. Headed, kicked and blocked everything. On his 50th cap, this was a big reminder of his quality.

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