England secured a third-placed finish at the 2026 World Cup, with standout performances from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Djed Spence. The squad of 24 players who made appearances have been rated, highlighting both triumphs and disappointments.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford earned a 7/10 rating. Despite criticism from Jude Bellingham over Enzo Fernández's equalizer for Argentina, Pickford made crucial saves, including a brilliant stop from Nicolas González in the semi-final. He holds the record for most World Cup finals appearances by an Englishman.
Dean Henderson waited until the third-place playoff for his first action, conceding four goals despite a strong performance. He will challenge Pickford for the starting spot over the next two years, earning a 7/10.
Defenders
Djed Spence emerged as an unlikely cult hero with wholehearted performances, including snubbing Thomas Partey's handshake and a tackle on Giuliano Simeone against Argentina. He scored an 8/10.
Marc Guéhi was initially not Thomas Tuchel's first-choice but rectified that after the Croatia game. He was England's most consistent defender, handling Erling Haaland in a masterclass, earning an 8/10.
John Stones arrived short of match fitness, showing it in the opening game against Croatia but improved in the quarter- and semi-finals. He is a huge asset when fit, rated 7/10.
Ezri Konsa had shaky moments in the group stage but recovered well, filling in capably at right-back. At 28, he could be there again in four years, earning a 7/10.
Dan Burn showed limitations against Argentina but will be remembered for two epic appearances off the bench against Mexico and Norway, with clearing headers so powerful they ended up in the opposition's half. He scored 7/10.
Nico O'Reilly had his strongest game against Norway in the quarter-final but will be disappointed not to have scored and to have been on the pitch when Argentina staged their semi-final comeback. He earned 6/10.
Reece James missed most of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, and England suffered when he went off against Argentina. He scored 6/10.
Trevoh Chalobah was a surprise replacement for Tino Livramento, managing only six minutes against France, earning 6/10.
Jarell Quansah was brought in to solve the right-back conundrum but had a rush of blood against Mexico leading to a red card. Recalled for the France game, he had to be replaced, scoring 5/10.
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham showed supreme quality when it mattered, with a rocky relationship with Tuchel carefully managed. He earned a 9/10.
Elliot Anderson was not distracted by his £116m move to Manchester City, running his heart out against Norway and Argentina, earning 8/10.
Morgan Rogers made the most of limited minutes, playing as a central midfielder against Norway and setting up Anthony Gordon from the right wing against Argentina. He scored 8/10.
Declan Rice was affected by hamstring and back problems but his effort could not be faulted. He needs a long rest, earning 6/10.
Eberechi Eze had four substitute appearances before starting against France, doing a decent job in central midfield against Panama but was largely peripheral on the left in the quarter-final. He scored 6/10.
Jordan Henderson spent 12 minutes on the pitch, becoming the first England men's player to appear at seven major international tournaments. He got booked against Mexico and broke an arm celebrating the win, earning 5/10.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka scored three goals and three assists despite an achilles injury. It was a surprise not to see him off the bench against Argentina, and he showed what England missed against France, earning 8/10.
Anthony Gordon had a quiet start before responding magnificently to being dropped, with three assists and a goal against Argentina showing why Barcelona were keen to sign him. He scored 8/10.
Harry Kane's tournament will be remembered for a largely anonymous display against Argentina rather than rescuing England against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He earned 8/10.
Marcus Rashford made a good start scoring off the bench against Croatia but wasn't seen again until injury time against Argentina, earning 6/10.
Ivan Toney sat on the bench until Lautaro Martínez's goal in added time of the semi-final, could not make an impact in three minutes but did well against France, earning 6/10.
Ollie Watkins was a frustrated spectator despite his Euro 2024 semi-final heroics. A half on the left flank against France and a brief appearance against Panama were scant reward, earning 6/10.
Noni Madueke had promising moments but lacked end product in four starts, slipping down the pecking order by the semi-final. He needs to be more clinical, earning 5/10.
Did not play: James Trafford and Kobbie Mainoo.
