England’s final preparation game ahead of Euro 2024 didn’t go to plan as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Iceland.
Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first-half goal proved to be the difference between the two teams at Wembley, after his effort crept into Aaron Ramsdale’s net.
There was also a further cause for concern for Gareth Southgate, with John Stones having to be substituted at half time – adding to the current defensive woes.
It was hardly the send-off that England fans would’ve expected before their Euro 2024 campaign gets underway on June 16 against Serbia.
Here, Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE assesses how each of England’s players performed on Friday night.
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Aaron Ramsdale 5
Beaten at near post for goal and was too slow to get down. Look of anguish on face told its own story. One big save second half.
Kyle Walker 6
Didn’t use pace enough in attacking areas when his team needed it to break down stubborn Iceland. Solid enough defensively.
John Stones 5
Survived first-minute injury scare but will be disappointed he didn’t do more to stop shot for goal. Withdrawn at half-time, and that is a worry.
Marc Guehi 5.5
Improvement from Bosnia in that passing was more reliable. Brave block late in first half to deny goal but got caught flat-footed for two big Iceland misses second half. Questions remain.
Kieran Trippier 6
Doesn’t have same impact at left back in attacking sense but will benefit from more minutes after injury and was steady enough to confirm starting spot.
Declan Rice 6.5
Forced early chance for Palmer with aggression in closing down keeper and his incisive pass later created opening for same player. Importance to team is evident.
Kobbie Mainoo 6
Neat and tidy but did he enough to impact result? Not really. Could Wharton be more progressive in same position? Probably.
Cole Palmer 7
Either created best chances or was on end of them. End-product was missing this time but again looked bright and dangerous. MOM in uncompetitive field and needs to start opener.
Phil Foden 6
Sloppy first half, with passes and crosses wayward. Also lost man before Iceland goal. Tried to make things happen but not his night.
Anthony Gordon 6.5
Looked in need of minutes after three weeks out but still had bursts of promise and was very useful outlet. Capable of better in terms of end-product, though.
Harry Kane 5
Should have scored when volleying over from close range and not involved enough. Poor by his standards.
SUBS
Ezri Konsa (on for Stones, 46) 5.5
Joe Gomez (on for Trippier, 65) 5.5
Bukayo Saka (on for Gordon, 65) 5
Ivan Toney (on for Kane, 65) 5
Trent Alexander-Arnold (on for Walker, 65) 6
Eberechi Eze (on for Palmer 77) 5.5
Manager
Gareth Southgate 5
His team did not look like Euros contenders here. Too slow and predictable in attack and struggled against Iceland low block, a tactic they will face in group stages.
