PLAYER RATINGS: Harry Maguire found his feet again in England’s drab draw with Italy and Aaron Ramsdale staked his claim superbly… but Tammy Abraham struggled to impress as Harry Kane’s understudy
- England are now winless in their first three games of this year’s Nations League
- Their clash with Italy saw players struggle in one of their last pre-World Cup test
- Tammy Abraham did not take his chance to impress after Harry Kane was rested
The Three Lions are now winless in their opening three games of this year’s Nations League after playing out a drab draw with European champions Italy at Molineux.
In front of a near-deserted stadium in the West Midlands, Gareth Southgate’s side toiled but struggled to break down their resolute opponents.
England’s backline impressed largely, but their attack may worry boss Southgate with Harry Kane’s understudy Tammy Abraham struggling up front.
Tammy Abraham struggled to grab his chance to impress in England’s drab draw with Italy
Harry Maguire looks to be finding his feet again after a torrid season for Manchester United
ENGLAND (4-3-3)
Aaron Ramsdale – Three excellent saves in the first half will do his future at international level the world of good. 8
Reece James – Solid down the right and linked up well with Sterling to create an attacking threat. Delivery from wide a danger. 7
Harry Maguire – His third consecutive start and the rhythm in his game looks to have benefitted from that consistency. 7
Fikayo Tomori – Made an excellent block just before half-time to keep England on level terms, More steady than spectacular. 7
Fikayo Tomori was a calm presence at the back alongside Maguire and made a good block
Kieran Trippier – Not his most effective display in an England shirt as he struggled to contain Italy’s threat down the right. 6
Declan Rice – Even after a long domestic season, the West Ham striker appears to have plenty left in the tank. Another dynamic display. 7
James Ward-Prowse – Quietly went about his business in central midfield. Kept things ticking over in England’s engine room. Booked. 6.5
Captain Harry Kane was introduced after 65 minutes for the largely ineffectual Abraham
Raheem Sterling – England’s captain for the night was one of the team’s most potent attackers but squandered England’s best chance. 7
Mason Mount – Unlucky not to score after hitting the bar in the first-half, but cut a frustrated figure as he kept coming deeper to find the ball. 6
Jack Grealish – Blew hot and cold. Provided some bright moments in attack, but could have offered more protection to Trippier in defence. Booked. 6.5
Tammy Abraham – Didn’t have the impact he’d have hoped for, but the Roma striker was deprived of service. Hooked by Southgate. 5.5
Jack Grealish struggled to impress from the start after his impressive cameo against Germany
Subs: Kane 6 (Abraham 65); Phillips 6 (Rice 65): Bowen 6 (Mount 65); Saka (Sterling 79); Guehi (Tomori 88)
Subs not used: Pope, Pickford, Stones, Walker, Coady, Bellingham, Gallagher.
Gareth Southgate: The lack of goals should be a concern for the England boss as his team toiled in attack once more. 6.5
Gareth Southgate will surely be concerned by his side’s lack of goals ahead of the World Cup
Italy (433): Donnarumma 6; Di Lorenzo 7, Gatti 7, Acerbi 7, Dimarco 6.5 (Florenzi 87); Frattesi 6.5, Locatelli 6.5 (Gnonto 64, 6), Tonali 6; Pessina 6 (Cristante 88), Scamacca 6.5 (Raspadori. 77), Pellegrini 6 (Esposito 64).
Subs: Gollini, Meret, Felipe, Calabria, Florenzi, Cristante, Politano, Barella, Scalvini.
Roberto Mancini: 6.5
Att: 2,000
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL): 6.5
MOM: Ramsdale
