TEAMtalk’s England player ratings v Italy

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JOE HART: Helpless in shoot-out. His goal led a charmed life at times, but stood firm when called upon. Always in command of his box. 8

GLEN JOHNSON: Unlucky with effort early-on, and was main England attacking threat first half. Stood strong amid Italian second-half onslaught. 8

JOHN TERRY: Saved England with tremendous first-half block from Balotelli effort and countless other heroic interventions. 9

JOLEON LESCOTT: Some timely last-ditch tackles, but sometimes slow out of box, causing England to sit deep and invite Italian pressure. 7

ASHLEY COLE: Terrible decisive penalty, but was dependable throughout his 98th cap. Didn’t venture forward often, but stuck to defensive duties well. 7

JAMES MILNER (Off 60 mins): Offered cover for Glenn Johnson when he got forward, and covered alot of ground. Final ball let him down when it mattered. 6

STEVEN GERRARD: Converted first penalty. Ran his socks off, and looked to be feeling the effects of his incredible workrate as the game wore on. 7

SCOTT PARKER: (Off 93 mins) Looked tired throughout. Playing higher up the pitch, his distribution let him down. Sometimes left back four exposed. 6

ASHLEY YOUNG: Unlucky with penalty. Barely touched the ball first-half, and offered little defensive cover for Cole. Gave the ball away far too often. 5

DANNY WELBECK (off 60 mins): Should have done better with first-half chance after flowing move. Otherwise had little effect on proceedings. 6

WAYNE ROONEY: Dispatched penalty brilliantly. Looked to be severely lacking match fitness, and was largely annonymous. 5

Subs:

THEO WALCOTT (on for Milner 60 mins): Got into some great positions with his lightning pace, but final ball eluded him in key moments. 6

ANDY CARROLL (on for Welbeck 60 mins): Made a nuisance of himself all over the pitch, and showed some good touches. 6

JORDAN HENDERSON (on for Parker 93 mins): Backs to the wall time when he came on, and slotted into the defensive midfield role well. 6