England player ratings vs Australia: Trent Alexander-Arnold stars as Ollie Watkins scores
England beat Australia 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium ahead of taking on Italy in a big Euro 2024 qualifier next week.
The Three Lions prepared for their crunch clash against Italy by beating a resilient Australia 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Ollie Watkins.
Here is how we rated the players:
Sam Johnstone - 7
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Wasn't called into action much but made a brilliant save from Keanu Baccus in the first-half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8
Incredible passing was on show again, especially when he moved into central positions. Played a stunning long pass in the build-up to Watkins' goal.
Lewis Dunk - 7
Commanding in defence and played out nicely from the back. Produced a great block to prevent an Australia goal.
Fikayo Tomori - 7
Similar display to Dunk. Looked composed at the back.
Levi Colwill - 6
Steady showing on his England debut. Defended well. Booked for shoving Baccus.
Jordan Henderson - 6
Comfortable in retaining and circulating possession in the centre of England’s midfield.
Conor Gallagher - 5
Lucky to stay on the pitch as he got away with a couple of reckless tackles in the first-half.
James Maddison - 7
Other than his wayward shot in the first-half, looked lively in the attacking third and nearly produced a stunning assist for Watkins, who couldn't complete the move.
Jack Grealish - 6
Grabbed an assist, but not his greatest showing. In fairness to the Manchester City star, he's still searching for match fitness this season.
Jarrod Bowen - 6
Had a couple of shots at goal, including a header in the first-half and a blocked effort in the second-half.
Ollie Watkins - 7
Showed great perseverance up front and had a great chance in the first-half. Eventually got his goal in the second-half after tapping home from close range.
Substitutes =
Kieran Trippier - 6
Filled in at right-back to allow Alexander-Arnold to take up a position in the centre.
John Stones - 6
Didn’t have too much to do following his substitution.
Kalvin Phillips - 6
Sprayed some lovely passes from the middle of the park.
Phil Foden - 6
Took up a position in the centre when he entered the fray.
Marcus Rashford - 6
Went on some mazy dribbles from the left-wing after coming on.
Eddie Nketiah - 6
Like Colwill, made his England debut tonight.
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Nasir Jabbar