A debut goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped England ease to a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales on Thursday evening.
In a first half of few chances, the hosts took the lead when Jack Grealish’s pinpoint cross was nodded home by the in form Calvert-Lewin.
England then doubled their lead after the break with Conor Coady finishing well from Kieran Trippier’s cross. An audacious Danny Ings overhead kick then put the Three Lions 3-0 up.
Here are 90min’s player ratings for both sides…
Nick Pope (GK) – 7/10 – Commanded his area particularly well. Did no damage to his case for the number one spot.
Joe Gomez (CB) – 6/10 – A few clumsy moments in possession. At least he didn’t concede seven like he did on Sunday.
Conor Coady (CB) – 8/10 – Spurned a good chance to score his first England goal in the first half. Made up for that by grabbing one after the break.
Michael Keane (CB) – 7/10 – Spun by Kieffer Moore on several occasions. Looked a lot more comfortable when the big man was withdrawn.
Kieran Tripper (RWB) – 8/10 – Handed the captain’s armband and rose to the occasion. His trademark dead ball delivery led to Coady’s goal.
Kalvin Phillips (CM) – 7/10 – Early on, he seemed to get in the way of Winks and visa versa. As things progressed, the pair gelled nicely, keeping possession well and offering the Three Lions protection on the counter.
Harry Winks (CM) – 7/10 – See above.
Bukayo Saka (LWB) – 7/10 – Looked nervy early on in his international debut. Eventually settled down and put in a performance that will have Ben Chilwell sweating over his international future.
Danny Ings (RW) – 7/10 – Sometimes struggled in a unfamiliar wide right role. Then again, he also scored an overhead kick – and that’s the only thing that really matters.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST) – 8/10 – One international cap, one goal. The David Nugent special.
Jack Grealish (LW) – 8/10 – Wondrous piece of play to create the game’s opener. England’s brightest spark going forward. Must play some part against Belgium.
Reece James – 6/10
Tyrone Mings – 7/10
Mason Mount – 6/10
Harvey Barnes – N/A
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – N/A
James Ward-Prowse – N/A
Wayne Hennessey (GK) – 6/10 – Very little he could do about the goals. Made a few good saves to keep the score down.
Connor Roberts (RB) – 5/10 – A very naughty foul on Saka just before the break earned him the yellow card. Come on mate, it’s supposed to be a friendly.
Joe Rodon (CB) – 6/10 – Dealt with everything that came his way before being substituted at half time.
Chris Mepham (CB) – 4/10 – Properly rubbish marking for the game’s opening goal. Slightly less rubbish marking for the second.
Ben Davies (LB) – 5/10 – Struggled against Grealish and rarely ventured over the halfway line.
Joseff Morrell (CM) – 6/10 – Helped Wales dominate possession for portions of the first half. Not much invention though.
Ethan Ampadu (CM) – 4/10 – Looked strangely off the pace, committing a string of clumsy fouls which eventually earned him a caution.
Jonny Williams (CM) – 6/10 – Some lovely touches and turns. Exactly what England were missing in midfield during the first half.
Tyler Roberts (RW) – 4/10 – Started on the right and move centrally after Moore’s injury. Was equally ineffectual in both roles.
Kieffer Moore (ST) – 6/10 – Caused England’s defence a few problems before being forced to withdraw with injury just before half time.
Rabbi Matondo (LW) – 4/10 – Had a very quiet evening and struggled to impose himself.
Neco Williams – 6/10
Benjamin Cabango – 4/10
Dylan Levitt – 5/10
Will Vaulks – 5/10
Chris Gunter – N/A
Matthew Smith – N/A