England’s players’ performance

In my opinion, Roy Hodgson made some crucial tactical errors. The Three Lions were better than the Russians and deserved to win the match, but sometimes the coaches make some stupid decisions, which cost the team the victory.

Joe Hart (GK)

Manchester City’s goalkeeper could have done better in the last minute, when the Russians found his net. He made only 1 save, but there were not many attempts towards his goal.

Kyle Walker (RB)

Walker was the best England’s player during the first half. His pace and skills created several goal-scoring chances for The Three Lions. Tottenham’s fullback also performed well in defence. He is in his best form and is very likely to start in the second match for England against Wales.

Chris Smalling (CB)

Smalling’s performance was perfect until the very last minute of the game, when he wasn’t well positioned and couldn’t help Hart keep his sheet clean. However, Smalling was good in the air and left the Russian forwards no chance until the added time of the match.

Gary Cahill (CB)

Cahill shouldn’t be blamed for Russia’s goal. He had a good night in Marseille. Cahill received a yellow card in the 62^nd minute of the game. Chelsea’s centre back was brilliant in defence.

Danny Rose (LB)

The left fullback was more active during the second half, when England organized more attacks from the left flank. Rose made a great delivery to Rooney, who hit the bar in the second half. However, he let Berezutski score with a header in the 92^nd minute, but Rose impressed with his performance at all.

Wayne Rooney (MC)

Rooney showed he can play everywhere on the pitch. He again proved he is a world class player. His playing style against Russia was very similar to Paul Scholes’ role at Manchester United. Rooney’s passing was at top level. He had an accuracy of more than 90 %. In addition, Rooney was close to score during the second half, when he hit the bar.

Eric Dier (MC)

Eric Dier’s performance against Russia was very impressive. Tottenham’s player scored England’s only goal of the game from a free-kick in the 73^rd minute. He also had some key passes during the match. An excellent match for Dier.

Dele Alli (MC)

Most of the time Alli was invisible on the pitch. He needs improvement if he wants to be again in the starting eleven. Alli had an attempt on goal in the first minutes of the match, but his shot went wide.

Adam Lallana (RW)

Lallana of Liverpool can be blamed that England couldn’t score in the first half. He missed two clear chances for goal, created after great Walker’s dribbles. And even though Lallana was in an offside position after Rooney’s shot on bar, Adam couldn’t find the net again, hitting the post. It’s very strange why Hodgson left him on the field 90 minutes.

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Sterling showed he had a great desire to help his team win the match. Tireless, as usual, the winger ran after every ball. He was better during the first half and was substituted after the break. Not bad performance by Raheem Sterling.

Harry Kane (SC)

Harry Kane was not at his usual level. He could have done better. That’s why Hodgson should have given Vardy a chance to replace Kane during the second half. Oh, I almost forgot, why the hell Kane took all the corners – almost all his corners skipped all the players in the box…

Jack Wilshere (Substitution)

Wilshere has fantasy, but, in my opinion, he is still not ready to play on such a stage. Hodgson must have kept Rooney on the pitch until the final whistle.

James Milner (Substitution)

Milner was brought in to help England keep their lead. However, it happened completely the opposite, but Milner shouldn’t be blamed about anything.

In conclusion, players like Vardy, Barkley and Sturridge were given no chance to show their qualities. They deserve more than Wilshere to be brought in. When it’s obvious your striker can’t do something significant, then try Vardy… It will be extremely stupid if Hodgson not make any chances for the next game against Wales.