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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

England player ratings vs Hungary: Kane quiet, Rice struggles but Bowen lively on debut

England kicked off their Nations League campaign in nightmare fashion as they slumped to defeat in Hungary.

Going into the game, the Hungarians had not beaten England in their last 15 attempts, since the 1962 World Cup, but they claimed a famous win at the Puskas Arena.

Dominik Szoboszlai scored the only goal of the game, firing home a penalty in the second-half after Reece James was adjudged to have brought down Adam Nagy.

England struggled all night to get going and Hungary were worthy winners in the end, with Gareth Southgate’s side now needing to pick themselves up ahead of a trip to Germany on Tuesday.

Simon Collings was at the Puskas Arena to see England in action...

Jordan Pickford 6

Was the busier of the two keepers and was almost caught off his line in the first-half. Could get nowhere near Szoboszlai’s excellent penalty.

Kyle Walker 7

Had a good game in the back-three and you can see why Southgate likes using him in that role. Offers pace and experience. Defence looked weaker when he went off after the hour mark.

Conor Coady 6

Given a rare chance to start in the heart of defence and was solid enough. Went close to grabbing a late goal with a header from a free-kick.

Harry Maguire 5

After a difficult season this was an okay performance from the Manchester United captain. Started solidly, but dipped towards the end.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 6

Hit a couple of nice diagonal balls to Justin on the other flank, which was often England’s best attacking weapon in the first-half. Linked up well with Bowen.

Declan Rice 6

Has been imperious for West Ham this season but had a difficult game here. Couldn’t get things going in the middle of the park.

Jude Bellingham 6

Still only 18 and it really feels like Southgate should stick with him going forward. Showed flashes of brilliance and was one of those who tried to rally England to find an equaliser.

James Justin 6

Only lasted 45 minutes in the end and he seemed to be struggling from about midway through the first-half. Had a few bright moments and was solid on his debut.

Jarrod Bowen 7

One of England’s best players on a disappointing night, full of running and caused problems early on. Has done his own hopes of keeping spot in squad no harm.

Harry Kane 5

A rare off-night for the captain, who is chasing down Wayne Rooney’s goal record. Had one early sight of goal, but other than that he was quiet. Missed a glorious chance to square the ball to Grealish as England chased an equaliser.

Mason Mount 6

The odd nice moment of skill in the first 15 minutes or so, but he wasn’t involved as much as he would have liked. Taken off just after the hour mark.

Substitutions

Bukayo Saka (Justin 45’) 6

On at the break and started well, drawing a good save from the Hungary goalkeeper. Could start in Germany on Tuesday.

Reece James (Alexander-Arnold 62’) 5

Gave away a penalty just moments after coming on as a substitute. It looked a harsh call, but VAR didn’t intervene.

Jack Grealish (Mount 62’) 6

Bright and tried to carry the ball to open Hungary up. Suspect he could start in Germany with England looking short of creativity.

John Stones (Walker 62’) 5

On in the heart of defence and England looked ragged during his time on the pitch.

Kalvin Phillips (Coady 78’) N/A

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