Analysis

England 0-0 Italy: Three Lions player ratings as Aaron Ramsdale impresses but James Ward-Prowse and Raheem Sterling struggle

England remain bottom of Group A3 in the UEFA Nations League following a goalless draw with Italy; Aaron Ramsdale made some eye-catching saves to help keep a clean sheet but Gareth Southgate's attacking players struggled

Nick Wright

Comment and Analysis @nicholaspwright

Sunday 12 June 2022 10:22, UK

Aaron Ramsdale - 8

Made two excellent saves in the first half, denying Sandro Tonali with his legs from close range, then tipping a deflected shot from Matteo Pessina over the bar. Alert again to save from Giovanni Di Lorenzo later on. An impressive display on only his second start.

Reece James - 8

A performance which might strengthen his claim to be England's first-choice right-back. Assured defensively, apart from one awkward moment against Federicio Dimarco in the second half, and arguably England's most dangerous attacking outlet, creating big chances for Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling.

Fikayo Tomori - 7

Handed a first start following his recovery from injury and settled well after some awkward moments early on. Always looked comfortable in possession and showed his recovery pace with an excellent tackle on Wilfried Gnonto late on.

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Harry Maguire - 7

Generally coped well defensively and impressed on the ball too, producing several eye-catching cross-field passes for Grealish in the first half. Helped Tomori through his first start.

Kieran Trippier - 6

Deployed once again as England's makeshift left-back due to their injury problems in the position and had another busy evening, this time against the marauding Di Lorenzo. Struggled initially but improved as the game wore on, albeit without offering much going forward.

Declan Rice - 7

Another strong showing from England's main man in midfield. Had to be alert to deal with Italy's runners but protected the defence well and charged forward to good effect too, volleying wide from a corner before being replaced by Kalvin Phillips in the second half.

James Ward-Prowse - 5

Provided a glimpse of his dead-ball prowess with a pinpoint corner to set up Rice's chance in the first half but his passing was overly cautious and he had some sloppy moments. Booked for a clumsy foul on Pessina in the closing stages.

Mason Mount - 6

Spurned a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he struck the bar from Raheem Sterling's through-ball early on, the miss taking him to 14 England games without a goal. He was typically busy and neat on the ball but struggled to really affect the game.

Jack Grealish - 6

Given a chance to build on his game-changing substitute appearance against Germany with a start, but showed a lack of composure at key moments, most notably with his tame effort from James' cut-back in the first half. He was, however, involved in most of England's brightest moments and created four chances - twice as many as anyone else.

Raheem Sterling - 5

Handed the armband for the fourth time in his England career. Set up Mount's early chance with a nicely-weighted through-ball but struggled in front of goal, spurning England's best opportunity when he sent James' low cross over the bar from a few yards out.

Tammy Abraham - 6

Handed a rare start in place of the rested Harry Kane. Pressed well, causing problems for Gianluigi Donnarumma on a couple of occasions, and also linked the play intelligently, but offered little in the way of goal threat and didn't muster a shot on target.

Subs

Harry Kane - 6

Unable to provide much more goal threat than Abraham, sending his only shot over the bar after combining with Sterling on the left-hand side.

Jarrod Bowen - 6

Showed plenty of energy and desire, initially on the right then in the middle, but struggled to get on the ball.

Kalvin Phillips - 7

Looked sharp, having made a swift recovery from the injury that forced him out of the Germany game. Made an important defensive intervention in his own box in the closing stages.