England player ratings vs Switzerland: How did the debutants fare?

Harry Kane scored the winner from the penalty spot as England came from behind to defeat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley after Luke Shaw had earlier struck the equaliser. Find out how Gareth Southgate’s players got on with our player ratings…

Jordan Pickford – 8

Got a strong hand to Granit Xhaka’s shot from distance but was beaten soon after. Almost immediately he had to save brilliantly to keep the deficit down to one goal. Then there was a strange moment when Xherdan Shaqiri hit the post from a corner. Played more long balls than might have been expected.

Kyle Walker-Peters – 7

Making his England debut, he was tested defensively early on and might have thought he was close to marking the occasion with a goal only to hit the post from a chance that would have been ruled out for offside. Before his opening 45 minutes were through, he had played his part in a goal – his interception crucial to England’s equaliser.

Image: Kyle Walker-Peters impressed on his England debut against Switzerland

Ben White – 6

Drafted in to replace John Stones at short notice and looked comfortable enough early on, showing a good range of distribution, before being caught out for the opening goal. Just misjudged it. Difficult circumstances for him, in fairness, and he stuck at it, showing his versatility as he moved to right-back later in the game. Did well there.

Conor Coady – 7

Tasked with organising an inexperienced defence, England’s off-field leader was up against it on the pitch and there were a few moments of uncertainty around him. Grew into the game, however, with his distribution reliable as ever and made some important defensive headers too.

Marc Guehi – 7

A tough examination on his debut, but came up with some important blocks and clearances. Kept the passing pretty safe throughout and had a chance to score with his head but was unable to divert the ball on target. Did find the arm of an opponent with his next chance though, leading to the penalty that won the game.

Luke Shaw – 7

Included from the start despite not having featured for Manchester United in a month and more than justified his selection by smashing in the equaliser in first-half stoppage-time. Got forward well thereafter before being withdrawn.

Jordan Henderson – 6

The Liverpool captain was the man providing some experience in a youthful line-up, but England struggled to play through their opponents so he was sometimes bypassed. It was his hopeful hooked ball forward that led to the equalising goal.

Conor Gallagher – 8

Full of energy on his first start for England, running beyond the forwards. Had a decent effort blocked and then provided the assist for Shaw’s equalising goal. His pass through to Harry Kane for a chance in the second half was even better. England’s most positive player before coming off after an hour.

Mason Mount – 6

Lost his man from a corner and that almost proved costly with England already one down. Floated around in search of space but was not often able to find it. Unusually quiet.

Harry Kane – 7

On 48 goals going into the game, the England captain spurned one early opportunity to level Sir Bobby Charlton’s goal total and up against a strong Switzerland team opportunities were limited. Denied on the angle early in the second half and looked set to miss out on his moment until gifted a chance from the spot. He made no mistake.

Phil Foden – 7

As usual, his touches in tight areas are a huge asset, but he struggled to find much space. Shaw’s goal came from him chasing a lost cause but the trademark moments of quality were few and far between.

Image: Silvan Widmer is challenged by Phil Foden during England’s game against Switzerland

SUBS

Declan Rice – 6

An undoubted starter in England’s best line-up, introduced to bring some control to midfield.

Tyrick Mitchell – 7

Given his England debut at wing-back. Always good defensively but also provided a cross for Kane’s headed effort on target midway through the second half.

Raheem Sterling – 6

Brought on to play on the right wing as England changed shape and looked to get into the box well.

Jack Grealish – 6

Came on to a typically enthusiastic welcome from the Wembley crowd and was soon dropping the shoulder on defenders and rolling the ball under his foot. Injected much needed creativity.

Jude Bellingham – n/a

Earned his cap with a late substitute appearance, doing some useful defensive work.

Ollie Watkins – n/a

England’s final substitution in the 88th minute of the match.

England player ratings vs Switzerland: How did the debutants fare?
Source: Healthy Lifestyle