Guest Article – England vs Lithuania Player Ratings

It’s time for another guest article now as Oliver Walsh – who you can follow on Twitter here  returns. This week Oliver gives us his view on the England vs Lithuania game from Sunday and the player ratings for the Three Lions. As always Oliver it’s over to you

England defeated a submissive Lithuania side 2-0 in a game which they dominated, yet failed to capitalise on their 72% possession, with a mediocre performance.

 Gk – Joe Hart: 5/10

The Torino shot-stopper had little to do throughout the game, with Lithuania providing little attacking threat. However his poor judgement near the end of the first half would’ve led to an equaliser if it were not for John Stones’ goal line clearance, despite Nerijus Valkis being miles offside.

Cb – Michael Keane: 8/10

Keane continued to impress in his second international appearance for England. The Burnley defender was comfortable on the ball and exhibited an impressive range of passing with his cross-field balls finding Bertrand and Walker high up the pitch, as well as failing to put a foot wrong in a defensive sense. The 24 year old may not start ahead of the injured Cahill and Smalling, however he has certainly shown he isn’t out of his depth on the international stage.

Cb – John Stones: 8/10

Similar to Keane, Manchester City defender John Stones played well in a game where his main focus was on possession rather than defending, which suits any defender coached by Pep Guardiola. The 22 year old rarely misplaced a pass and his marauding runs threatened to instigate many attacks and showed his positive, attacking mind set.

Rb – Kyle Walker: 6/10

Walker was an outlet on the right hand side throughout the game, with England needing to stretch the play and switch sides quickly against a compact and defensive Lithuania side. However the Spurs defender failed to create any chances or take on his full back when he received the ball. He didn’t do anything wrong, but he didn’t do anything impressive either.

Lb – Ryan Bertrand: 6/10

Bertrand also failed to make much of an impact on the game in an attacking left back position. The Southampton defender was an outlet on the left wing, however he ultimately lacked the quality to instigate and goal scoring opportunities. Mediocre.

Cdm/Cb – Eric Dier: 9/10

Dier fluctuated between a single pivot in defensive midfield and a third centre back in a back three, in what was and exceptional performance from the 23 year old. The Spurs defensive midfielder was comfortable, direct and effective in possession but also commanding in the centre of the pitch with excellent communication and advice for his teammates. In a season  where his domestic performances and minutes have dropped from last season, Dier showed quality and confidence in the middle of the park and  staked his claim to be the long term anchor-man in England’s midfield.

Central Midfielder – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin: 3/10

Oxlade-Chamberlin was anonymous and failed to have any impact upon the game, so much so that it was difficult to pinpoint his exact position. The Frsenal midfielder flashed a couple of longshots wide, but apart from that you wouldn’t have realised he was on the pitch. Frustrating for the 23 year old who has such promise, especially with inform Everton attacking midfielder Ross Barkley among the substitutes.

Cam – Dele Alli: 6.5/10

The Spurs Wonderkid was the central of Southgate’s ‘three number 10’s’ and was often the man who took the impetus through his direct passing and quick, positive movement. The 20 year old tried to pick up the ball deeper and drive at the Lithuanian defence and midfield, however although his intentions were positive he lacked the form/quality on the day shown in multiple over hit flicks which would’ve resulted in chances were he on form.

Lam – Raheem Sterling: 8/10

The Manchester city winger was influential in the game, picking up a great assist for Jermain Defoe’s goal. The 22 year old has shown dramatic improvement since Guardiola took over as coach, with his confidence and goals, assists and take-ons increasing massively, this was shown in his assist for England’s first goal where he used his pace and crossing ability to take on his man and put the ball on a plate for Defoe. Overall the £50m man impressed in a position he frequented under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.

Ram – Adam Lallana: 8/10

Lallana continued his exceptional assisting record with an intricate cushioned pass for Jamie Vardy’s goal. The former Southampton man has excelled in a number 10 role this season at Liverpool, and despite being pushed a bit wider against Lithuania he still managed to influence the game. The 28 year old was good in possession and tried to move the ball quickly with one touch passing, which led to his assist for Vardy’s goal. An overall impressive performance.

St – Jermain Defoe: 9/10

Jermain Defoe marked his return to international football with a goal, despite having few chances, a situation he has become accustomed to and thrived in at Sunderland. The 34 year old’s instinctive finish and clever movement showed why Southgate made the contentious decision to bring him back into the England squad, in a game where he had little else to do.

St (sub) –  Jamie Vardy: 9/10

The Leicester forward scored with his second touch after coming on for Defoe, with a neat near post finish, showing he can still perform for England despite poor form in the league.

St/Lw (sub) – Marcus Rashford: 5/10

 The Manchester United attacker made a few direct runs after coming on for Raheem Sterling, however had no time to make a lasting impact on the game.

Thanks Oliver and as always I look forward to your next installment

If you would like to give a view from your club on a weekly basis then please get in touch – you can email me at – realfootballmanwordpress@gmail.com