The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come and gone, and England's performance has been a topic of much discussion and analysis. The tournament saw a mix of experienced players and young talents, each bringing their own unique skills and contributions to the team. Here's a detailed breakdown of how the England players rated during the tournament, with a focus on individual performances and their impact on the team's success.
The Defenders
Ezri Konsa: Konsa's versatility as a defender was a key asset. Starting as a center-back, he showcased his ability to adapt to different roles, even featuring at right-back. His performance against Norway in the quarter-finals, where he also scored a goal, was a standout moment. Konsa's overall rating of 7 reflects his consistent contributions throughout the tournament.
John Stones: Stones' inclusion was a calculated risk due to his fitness concerns. Despite some shaky moments early on, he regrouped and became a solid presence in the backline. His performance against Norway in the quarter-finals was a testament to his resilience. Stones' rating of 7 highlights his ability to step up when it mattered.
Marc Guehi: Guehi's calmness and quality made him a reliable presence in the England backline. His performance against Erling Haaland in the quarter-final was particularly impressive. Guehi's overall rating of 8 demonstrates his consistent excellence throughout the tournament.
Trevoh Chalobah: Chalobah's call-up was a controversial decision, but he made the most of his opportunities. His limited playing time, however, raised questions about his role in the team. Chalobah's rating of 5 reflects the need for further development in his game.
Jarell Quansah: Quansah's tournament was a mix of promise and disappointment. His injury and subsequent sending-off against Mexico were setbacks. However, his return for the third-place play-off showed his determination. Quansah's rating of 6 acknowledges his potential and the need for consistency.
Dan Burn: Burn's inclusion sparked debate, but his performance against Mexico justified the decision. His aerial prowess was a valuable asset, though Tuchel's early use of this tactic against Argentina could have been more strategic. Burn's rating of 6.5 reflects his contributions and the room for improvement.
Nico O'Reilly: O'Reilly's rise from a nervous opening match to becoming England's first-choice left-back is impressive. His ability on the ball is a strength, but defensive improvements are needed. O'Reilly's rating of 6.5 highlights his potential and the work required for further development.
Reece James: James' fitness concerns were well-documented, but he recovered to become a key player. His versatility and quality made him a valuable asset, especially in the quarter-final and semi-final. James' rating of 6.5 reflects his contributions despite the initial fitness issues.
Djed Spence: Spence's ability to play both left and right-back was a game-changer. His pace and one-on-one defensive skills made him a standout performer. Spence's performances in the quarter-final and semi-final were exceptional, earning him an impressive rating of 8.
The Midfielders
Declan Rice: Rice's fitness battles were a concern, but he stepped up physically in games. His possession game could have been sharper, but his overall rating of 7.5 reflects his contributions and leadership in the third-place play-off.
Jude Bellingham: Bellingham's tournament was a showcase of his superstar quality and mental fortitude. His seven goals, including a brilliant individual effort against France, solidified his status as England's talisman. Bellingham's rating of 9 is a testament to his impact and potential.
Jordan Henderson: Henderson's World Cup journey was cut short due to a bizarre injury. His experience and leadership were invaluable, but his rating of 4 reflects the unfortunate circumstances that limited his playing time.
Elliot Anderson: Anderson's starting role was a challenge, but he held his own. His best game in possession was against Argentina, but further development is needed for England to succeed in major tournaments. Anderson's rating of 7 highlights the potential for growth.
The Forwards
Harry Kane: Kane's goal-scoring prowess was on full display, with six goals before the quarter-final. His assist for Bellingham against Mexico was a highlight. However, his performance against Argentina was not up to par, and his rating of 8.5 reflects a mix of brilliance and inconsistency.
Bukayo Saka: Saka's tournament was a mix of quality and inconsistency. His Achilles issue affected his performance, but he showed his quality with a hat-trick in the third-place play-off. Saka's rating of 7.5 acknowledges his contributions and the need for consistency.
Morgan Rogers: Rogers' versatility and physicality made him a valuable asset. His assist for Anthony Gordon in the quarter-final was a standout moment. Rogers' rating of 7.5 reflects his impact and potential.
Anthony Gordon: Gordon's tournament was a journey of growth. His slow start gave way to massive moments, including a penalty and an assist in Mexico. Gordon's rating of 8 highlights his impact and the potential for further development.
Eberechi Eze: Eze's tournament was relatively quiet, but his ability to provide something different off the bench is valuable. His performance in the third-place play-off was encouraging. Eze's rating of 6.5 reflects his contributions and the need for more consistent impact.
Ollie Watkins: Watkins' limited playing time was a missed opportunity. His ability to run in behind the defense could have been utilized more effectively. Watkins' rating of 5 reflects the need for more game time and strategic deployment.
Noni Madueke: Madueke's unique skillset and direct running made him a valuable asset. His penalty win against Croatia was a highlight. Madueke's rating of 6 acknowledges his contributions and the potential for further development.
Ivan Toney: Toney's surprise inclusion was justified by his penalty-taking ability. His impact in the third-place play-off was notable. Toney's rating of 6 reflects his contributions and the need for more consistent playing time.
Marcus Rashford: Rashford's tournament was a mix of bright moments and inconsistency. His substitution in the DR Congo match and limited minutes against Argentina were notable. Rashford's rating of 6.5 reflects his contributions and the need for more consistent impact.
In conclusion, England's performance in the 2026 World Cup showcased a mix of experienced players and young talents. While some players excelled and lived up to expectations, others had to navigate challenges and inconsistencies. The tournament provided valuable insights into the team's strengths and areas for improvement, setting the stage for future success on the international stage.
