Disaster.
An injury time equaliser broke English hearts as they were held in Marseille by a gallant, but limited, Russian side.
England dominated the opening half but failed to find a way through.
The second half display was less convincing, but Eric Dier’s brilliant free kick appeared to have secured a deserved victory.
But in injury time Vasili Berezutski looped a header past Joe Hart to secure a scarcely deserved point for the Russians.
Here’s how the England players fared.
Joe Hart – 5
Threw the ball straight at the back of Chris Smalling’s head in the first half but got away with it. Aside from keeping an eye on a potential Dier own goal, he had hardly anything to do – anything but watch a late equaliser lob over his head. Looked like a nervous wreck on the ball all evening and very nearly got caught out in the dying seconds after the equaliser.
Kyle Walker – 9
Unbelievable shift. Gave poor Georgi Shchennikov the fright of his life early doors when he headed inside the full back and put one brilliantly on a plate for Adam Lallana. Probably England’s best player. He was nothing short of explosive down the right flank all evening and he showed some real creativity and composure in linking with his attack, cutting inside or finding white shirts brilliantly in the box. Never looked like he had to come out of second gear in defence.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
He was taking no prisoners on Saturday evening and anyone that got in his way – Russian or English – was in for a world of pain. Aggressive, uncompromising and immovable in the air.
Gary Cahill – 5
His usual brute self and his usual dangerous self in the opposition box. Clumsy challenge earned him a yellow – against a striker in Dzyuba who really could havve taken or left the fact that he had to travel to France to play this nonsense game they call football. Looked a little unconvincing throughout.
Danny Rose – 7
He’s a little bull, a terrier at left back. Even when he puts himself in trouble, he’s back biting and raging and fighting as normal. He got forward frighteningly like he always does and played some terrifying balls into the box but his man climbed over him for the equaliser.
Eric Dier – 9
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, what a hit. What a bloody hit. Mincing tackle midway through the first period that had the Marseille stand shaking on its hinges and he won back another ball brilliantly to stifle a Russia counter attack – this just seconds after his screamer free kick. Covers well for his two centre halves – and for his two wandering midfield partners.
What a hit Eric Dier! pic.twitter.com/ykc3mSYp9P
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 11, 2016
Wayne Rooney – 6.5
Sprayed some delicious passes around the Velodrome. Thrived off the time and space he had to stand around the middle of the pitch and pick out men and he was always looking forward, always looking to make stuff happen and even forced his attackers into better positions on a number of occasions. Stung the hands of the goalkeeper with a vicious volley that he did well to get over and around. So unlucky not to score when a strong right hand from the ‘keeper tipped his second half effort off the crossbar. Seemed to die out in the second period and was replaced with Jack Wilshere.
Dele Alli – 7.5
Looked really threatening in the first period breaking from that midfield three and causing Russians to shit themselves in every which way. He was silenced a little more after the break as the opposition actually started to play football but he was always tidy and always available.
Raheem Sterling – 6.5
Looked so sharp from the get-go. Was raiding forward at every half opportunity, crossed one perfectly onto the head of Dele Alli for a massive chance and darted into the box majestically before back-heeling for Rose to create another big opening. He was one of the best players in the first period and then just seemed to make one bad decision after the next as the game wore on.
Adam Lallana – 7
Should’ve scored, should’ve damn well scored when Walker put him through early doors and the ball even sat up for a half volley but he drilled it straight at the ‘keeper. Should’ve damn well scored again when Walker put him through again after superb interplay between the full back, Alli and Lallana but he dragged it wide. Should’ve damn well scored when the ‘keeper brilliantly denied Rooney and the rebound fell to the Liverpool player. Actually had a good game though, those misses aside. Really energetic, really sharp and really keen to thread balls into the danger area.
Harry Kane – 7.5
Didn’t score but he did put himself about all over the shop. Great first touch, great head on him and looked lively trying to get in behind. A constant threat but they will need more.
Subs
Jack Wilshere – 6.5
Positive, lively, exciting. 15 minutes.
James Milner – 6
Came on and watched Russia score.
