England player ratings vs San Marino: Smith Rowe & Saka net in 10-0 rout

Midfielders & Wing-Backs

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RWB) – 8/10 – Was much less involved with all of England’s play coming down the left side in the first half, where his passing was uncharacteristically sloppy. That changed after the break, though, and he chipped in with three glorious assists.

Jude Bellingham (CM) – 7/10 – Such class on and off the ball. Arsenal should have moved heaven and earth to sign him ahead of Borussia Dortmund.

Kalvin Phillips (CM) – 8/10 – Played a delightful pass into Smith Rowe and was instrumental in midfield as the Three Lions controlled every aspect of the game.

Bukayo Saka (LWB) – 8/10 – Did any of England’s attacks come down the right?

It was the Saka show against San Marino, as he turned his man inside out on numerous occasions and had the pace to burn in what was barely a left wing-back role considering how much possession England saw. A lively afternoon for the England regular featured numerous delightful first touches, and where he was unlucky not to get a goal in the first half.

Southgate had clearly been watching Arteta’s Arsenal as he went 4-4-2 with Saka back on on his favoured right side after the break, where he continued to cause havoc and then he finally got his goal with his head.

Continued on next page…