PLAYER RATINGS: Bellingham shines for England and Rashford was a force
In a recent friendly match held at Hampden Park, England managed to secure a convincing 3-1 victory over Scotland. This clash was highly anticipated, with Scotland riding a wave of euphoria after achieving five successive wins in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. The Tartan Army, Scotland's passionate supporters, were hoping for their first home win against England since 1985. However, the outcome of the match quickly dampened their spirits.
The game began with a promising atmosphere, but it didn't take long for England to take control. In the 32nd minute, Phil Foden capitalized on a stray shot from Kyle Walker, giving England the lead. Just three minutes later, Jude Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, punished an error by Scotland's captain, Andy Robertson, doubling England's lead. The euphoria among the Scottish fans began to wane as their team struggled to mount a comeback.
In the 67th minute, an own goal by substitute Harry Maguire briefly raised the hopes of the Tartan Army. It seemed like Scotland might have a chance to turn the tide. However, England's captain, Harry Kane, dashed those hopes with a typically clinical finish, securing the 3-1 victory for England.
Let's take a closer look at how the players from both teams performed in this highly anticipated clash.
**Scotland (3-5-1-1):**
- Angus Gunn, the Scottish goalkeeper, earned a rating of 6.5. While he made a confident punch from an early corner, he was left exposed for England's goals, and his performance included a couple of timely dashes.
- Ryan Porteous, a defender, received a rating of 5.5. He made a brilliant recovery tackle early in the game but struggled to contain England's attacks as the match progressed.
- Jack Hendry, another defender, also received a rating of 5.5. He was booked for a shove on Bellingham during a first-half melee but couldn't get close to England's players during the rest of the game.
- Kieran Tierney, who played as a defender, earned a rating of 6. He made efforts to contribute to Scotland's attacks with bursts forward but had more defensive concerns to handle.
- Aaron Hickey, a young talent, received a rating of 5.5. He displayed confidence with an early nutmeg of Marcus Rashford, but England's Rashford soon gained the upper hand.
- Scott McTominay, known for his powerful presence, received a rating of 6. He had a couple of powerful surges forward but faced a challenging opposition, resulting in a difficult night.
- Billy Gilmour, despite his brilliant club form with Brighton, had a quiet showing, earning a rating of 5.
- Callum McGregor, a busy midfielder, received a rating of 6. While he was active on the pitch, he had little impact in the final third, where he is known for his ability to pick a pass.
- Andy Robertson, Scotland's captain, received a rating of 5.5. Unfortunately, his night turned sour after he made a crucial error that gifted Bellingham and England their second goal. Prior to that, he had been lively down the left flank.
- John McGinn, who had been in good form for both club and country recently, received a rating of 5.5. He was disappointed not to make a more significant impact on the game.
- Che Adams, Scotland's forward, received a rating of 5. He appeared isolated on the pitch, and nothing seemed to stick for him as he chased shadows throughout the match.
**Substitutes for Scotland:**
- Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes both received ratings of 6 when they came on for Adams and Gilmour in the 60th minute.
- Stuart Armstrong and Lewis Ferguson were substituted in for Tierney and McGinn in the 82nd minute.
- Ryan Jack and Nathan Patterson were introduced late in the game, replacing McGregor and Hickey in the 89th minute.
**Manager: Steve Clarke (Rating: 6)**
Clarke played his strongest side but was up against the superior quality of the English team. He may view this match as a reality check for Scotland.
**England (4-3-3):**
- Aaron Ramsdale, the English goalkeeper, received a rating of 6.5. He had a couple of nervy moments but handled them well. There was nothing he could do to prevent the own goal scored by Harry Maguire.
- Kyle Walker, who nearly scored a goal in the game, received a rating of 7.5. It was his strike that led to Phil Foden's opening goal, and he had a solid performance overall.
- Marc Guehi, who played for 45 minutes, received a rating of 6.5. He handled his defensive duties with minimal fuss before being substituted.
- Lewis Dunk, another defender, received a rating of 7.5. He provided a strong physical presence in the penalty area and made a crucial block.
- Kieran Trippier, who played in an unfamiliar left-back role, earned a rating of 7. He never wasted a ball and proved to be a reliable option in that position.
- Kalvin Phillips, in his first start for club or country since May, received a rating of 7. He displayed intelligence in possession and aggressiveness in his tackles.
- Declan Rice, who was slightly quicker and stronger than his opponents, earned a rating of 7. He maintained his performance throughout the game.
- Jude Bellingham, the standout player of the match, received a rating of 8.5. He bossed the contest as the first half closed, started the move that led to his goal, and provided a sensational assist for Kane's goal.
- Phil Foden, despite missing an early chance, received a rating of 8. He made no mistake from close range to score and showed excellence as he drifted across the front line.
- Harry Kane, England's captain, received a rating of 8. His link-up play, even when dropping deeper, was flawless. He got his reward with a late goal.
- Marcus Rashford, who was electric down the left flank, received a rating of 8. He posed a constant threat and looked sharp throughout the match.
**Substitutes for England:**
- Harry Maguire, who came on for Guehi in the 46th minute, received a rating of 5.
- Eze was substituted in for Rashford in the 71st minute and received a rating of 6.
- Saka also came on for Foden in the 71st minute, earning a rating of 6.
- Wilson replaced Kane in the 84th minute, and Gallagher replaced Bellingham in the same minute.
**Manager: Gareth Southgate (Rating: 7)**
Southgate had initially promised not to make wholesale changes but ultimately made some substitutions during the match. His decisions seemed to have paid off as England secured a convincing win.
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