Player ratings from England’s crucial U21 qualifier against Croatia.
England rallied in the second half and were somewhat fortunate to beat a sturdy Croatia side in Croatia. Here are the individual player ratings:
SEE MORE:
Ferdinand Tweet – Controversial defender charged by FA.
Gutierrez Cancer – Norwich player completes miracle marathon.
Di Maria – Argentine has put “spark” back into team.
Jack Butland 7.5 – Generally solid, with a fantastic early save preventing England being put in a bad situation. Did his best for Croatia’s goal but there was little he could do.
Eric Dier 6 – Contributed little going forward and looked ponderous at times against Croatia’s nippy wingers. Almost gave goal away when he lost his man early in the second half.
Liam Moore 7 – Scored a great goal and looked totally solid, dealing with Croatia’s striker easily, until getting himself in a mess and allowing Livaja to muscle him off the ball and score.
Ben Gibson 4.5 – A performance to forget from the Middlesbrough man. Lost confidence after early slips and was heavily targeted by the ridiculously skilful Alen Halilovic. Was lucky not to concede a penalty.
Luke Shaw 6.5 – Offered some threat down the left but was not able to dominate the flank like he has been known to. Still does not look 100% fit.
Jake Forster-Caskey 5 – Anonymous but for a couple of mistakes in the second half. Was left in Halilovic’s wake on several occasions.
Will Hughes 7.5 – Looked a cut above the rest of England’s midfield despite carrying an injury. The amount of first team football he has had in the Championship clearly gave him an edge over less experienced players. Scored the vital goal.
Tom Carroll 7 – Excellent set piece delivery set up the first goal. Played in Redmond and Berahino repeatedly and looked solid defensively.
Nathan Redmond 7.5 – Always dangerous when the ball came to him and England looked flat once he was taken off. Never afraid to take on his man and try the killer pass or shot.
Harry Kane 6 – Targeted from crosses and set-pieces to little effect, despite working hard throughout. Should have scored midway through the second half.
Said Berahino 6.5 – Held the ball up well and grew into the game; but sometimes struggled against tight Croatia defending.