Well, this was not the send-off England had in mind for their final game in preparation for Euro 2024… Instead of a rousing win to boost their confidence for the tournament, they slumped to another shock defeat against Iceland, who have become their bete noire in international football.
This was not as humiliating as their 2-1 defeat to the tiny nation which knocked them out of Euro 2016 and proved the end of Roy Hodgson’s reign, but it left a lot of questions about England’s status as self-appointed favourites for the tournament. They were unable to break down their opponents, carving out few chances over the 90 minutes, although Harry Kane should have done far better with his effort inside the area after a lovely cross from Cole Palmer.
Iceland scored with their first foray forward as Aaron Ramsdale was too slow to get down to Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first-half strike, and the striker should have added a second after the break. Not even the arrival of Bukayo Saka or Trent Alexander-Arnold from the bench could breathe life into England, who faced smatterings of boos as they left the pitch.
Footballblogzz rates England’s players from Wembley Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Aaron Ramsdale (4/10):
Beaten at his near post by Thorsteinsson and his kicking was shaky. A missed opportunity to show he could rival Pickford for the No.1 spot.
Kyle Walker (5/10):
As solid as usual apart from when he played Haraldsson onside in the second half and was let off the hook by Thorsteinsson’s mis-kick. Didn’t contribute much in attack.
John Stones (5/10):
Brought the ball out well but wasn’t tight enough on Thorsteinsson. Taken off with a suspected injury at half-time after trying to shake off an early blow to the ankle.
Marc Guehi (7/10):
Swept away the danger well, showing good awareness. Made a brave block on Traustason’s shot.
Kieran Trippier (6/10):
Solid enough but let down by being a right-footed player being forced to play at left-back, which slowed down his ability to cross.
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Midfield
Declan Rice (6/10):
Got on the ball a lot but not ambitious enough with his passing.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Made a few incisive passes but not involved as much as he would have wanted.
Phil Foden (6/10):
The player who came closest to equalising, just missing the far post with a decent effort. His passing was a bit sloppy.
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Attack
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Showed flashes of brilliance but left frustrated by the flat displays of his fellow attackers.
Harry Kane (5/10):
Missed a big chance after a dream cross from Palmer. Played some good passes from deep areas but not effective enough in and around the area.
Anthony Gordon (6/10):
Demonstrated his pace and had lots of promising moments, but repeatedly let down by his final ball.
Subs & Manager
Ezri Konsa (5/10):
Another indifferent display.
Bukayo Saka (5/10):
Given little service apart from long balls to chase out wide. His few forays into the area were quickly blocked off.
Ivan Toney (5/10):
Caused a bit of a nuisance of himself in the area but didn’t get on the ball enough.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):
Looked desperate to make things happen and was not far from equalising.
Joe Gomez (5/10):
Caused little danger down the left.
Eberechi Eze (5/10)
Not nearly as tricky as against Bosnia, doing little of note.
Gareth Southgate (5/10):
Played perhaps his strongest available line up bar Ramsdale, but will be concerned about how toothless his side was.
