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Player Ratings: England 2-1 Poland

A maximum nine points out of three World Cup 2022 qualifiers puts England in control of Group I thanks to Harry Maguire’s late winner. Here’s how Seb rated the lads!

England v Poland - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Nick Pope: 6/10

The goalkeeper, on his third successive start, will be disappointed to have conceded to the visitors considering it was their only shot on target. In Jordan Pickford’s absence, has the Burnley shot stopper done enough to convince manager, Gareth Southgate, that he should be starting in the upcoming Euros?

Kyle Walker: 6/10

The Manchester City right-back found himself in familiar territory alongside domestic club teammate, John Stones, but the right-back had a quiet outing. He had the task of collecting the ball and moving it on swiftly forwards with minimal complication; executing the such responsibilities to a high degree.

John Stones: 6/10

A second successive game alongside Harry Maguire saw England concede their first goal of the new year. However, it was the center-back pairing that linked up for the subsequent winning goal, giving the home team a deserved three points in the World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

This put a dampener on an otherwise comfortable affair for the center-back, however, when in reflection, he will be satisfied he has proven to the manager that he has the credentials to occupy that position in the tournament that is on the horizon.

Harry Maguire: 7/10

A rare sight of goal for the England center-back saw him link up with center-back partner, John Stones, to provide an all important three points, sending the home side further towards World Cup qualification. Otherwise, apart from the one goal, it was a comfortable evening and we can all rest assured the Manchester United captain will have provided Gareth Southgate of his capabilities within the squad.

Ben Chilwell: 7/10

An evening in which saw the Chelsea left-back handed the responsibility of attacking the left channel and providing sufficient support to the winger in front of him. Due to the lack of attacking outlet from the opposition, his defensive duties were neglected in that regard and he provided dangerous support. A pleasing evening all round for him, but Chilwell will be disappointed to not have an extra clean sheet to his name.

Kalvin Phillips: 6/10

A lackluster evening saw the Leeds holding midfielder fail to provide sufficient attacking support to his teammates, whilst he was not asked many questions at all in the defensive third of the pitch. This made his role slightly more difficult as he was tasked with sitting in front of the defense and cutting out potential passing lanes.

Declan Rice: 7/10

The young midfielder ensured a dominant on the ball display at Wembley. He was able to move the ball forward with precision, whilst allowing the flow of the game to be continued in due course. His movement off the ball created an extra worry for the opposition in attacking phases and, all in all, was a threat throughout.

Mason Mount: 7/10

The consistent midfielder was once again selfless in his running with and without the ball. His smart touches on the ball deceived the opposition and he enjoyed a successful range of passes, switching the flow of proceedings.

Phil Foden: 7/10

The tricky youngster was too hot to handle for the away side as he weaved his way in and out of each flank, drawing the opposition full-backs out of position. His positioning sense and eye for a pass aided striker, Harry Kane, to make runs in behind the opposition defense and bring other players in to the game.

Harry Kane: 7/10

The captain was once again the main flow of the England attack as he allowed the transitioning phases to gain momentum, subsequently leading to a dangerous shot on goal. His calm penalty also got the game up and running in a way that allowed England to sustain some momentum.

Raheem Sterling: 7/10

The Manchester City attacker threatened with his raw pace, causing the opposition defense an increasing amount of trouble. It was a successful evening for the wide player as his dangerous play and quick passing allowed England to move forward with reasonable speed within the attacking transition of play.

(SUB) Reece James: 6/10

(SUB) Dominic Calvert-Lewin: N/A

(SUB) Jesse Lingard: N/A