Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were on target as England beat Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park; the hosts pulled a goal back through Harry Maguire’s own goal but it was a poor night; Bellingham was the player of the game
23:21, UK, Tuesday 12 September 2023
SCOTLAND
Angus Gunn – 6
Couldn’t do much about any of England’s goals but produced a fine save when given a better chance by substitute Eberechi Eze in the second half and also denied Jude Bellingham at his near post.
Ryan Porteous – 6
Produced an excellent piece of defending early on to prevent Harry Kane from getting through on goal. Otherwise keeping Marcus Rashford busy on England’s left flank.
Jack Hendry – 4
Struggles to cope with Kane and the runners on either side of him. Made a crucial early clearance from a Kyle Walker cross but was absorbed from England’s starting position, leaving Rashford free in the center of the box. Poor ever since.
Kieran Tierney – 5
Diligently defended but spent most of the game chasing shadows. Booked for a foul on Bukayo Saka after his Arsenal teammate got the better of him.
Aaron Hickey – 5
Like Porteous, he struggled to deal with the attacking Rashford, with England finding plenty of space in his side, especially in the first half. Enjoyed some attacks in the second half but never really threatened.
Lee Hendrie admitted it was ‘game over’ after England scored their second goal against Scotland, leaving an unhappy Kris Boyd shouting he would leave if they scored a third.
Billy Gilmour – 5
It was remarkable the last time these two sides met, at Euro 2020, but struggled to get a foothold in the game this season against the superior physicality of Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Jude Bellingham. Replaced by Lyndon Dykes at the hour mark.
Callum McGregor – 6
Worked tirelessly and passed the ball smoothly, botched two of his 53 passes, but, like Gilmour, struggled to contain Rice, Phillips and Bellingham.
Andrew Robertson – 4
An unusual mistake for England’s second goal, giving the ball to Bellingham inside the Scotland box when he should have cleared it. Tried to redeem that mistake with a cross to force Harry Maguire’s own goal, but Kane missed for England’s third.
John McGinn – 5
A peripheral figure for most of the game. Made the pass to release Robertson to set up Scotland’s goal, then missed a chance to equalize when he headed in from a Liverpool cross-back soon after.
Scott McTominay – 5
Never threatened to continue his recent scoring run in a Scotland shirt, failing to register a single shot. Better in the second half and had a hand in the Scotland goal, his pass found John McGinn to release Robertson, but well below his best overall.
Che Adams – 4
Was fed scraps in the first half, barely even touching the ball, and the second half brought more before he was replaced by Ryan Christie.
SUBS
Ryan Christie – 6
Making a positive impact, his introduction coincided with Scotland’s best spell of the game, but was quickly denied by Bellingham to build England’s third.
Lyndon Dykes – 6
Trying to make things happen but struggling to make a big impact.
Stuart Armstrong – 6
Tierney was later replaced.
Lewis Ferguson – 6
Introduced in place of McGinn.
Nathan Patterson – 6
Given the last two minutes in place of Hickey.
Ryan Jack – 6
McGregor was replaced with Patterson.
Kris Boyd feels there was nothing Harry Maguire could have done to stop himself from scoring an own goal against Scotland.
ENGLAND
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Given the opportunity to impress in place of Jordan Pickford but did little for most. Powerless to stop Maguire’s own goal. Passed the ball well.
Kyle Walker – 8
Charged forward confidently after his player-of-the-match display against Ukraine and almost found the net again, flashing an angled effort a few yards wide early on , then saw another cross-shot headed home by Phil Foden for the opener. Made some good passes too.
Lewis Dunk – 8
A surprise selection at the heart of the defense but impressed in only his second England appearance – and his first in five years. Uses the ball smartly and dominates the air. Also made an excellent block to deny Hickey in the second half.
Marc Guehi – 7
A solid display from the 23-year-old before his withdrawal at half-time for Maguire with a potential knock. There were few problems in dealing with Che Adams and looked comfortable on the ball.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Didn’t get forward as much as Walker on the other side but looked confident in possession and defensively. A solid display from the Newcastle full-back.
Declan Rice – 7
A guaranteed showing of a non-owned property. Rice was busy on defense and fed Bellingham to set up England’s third goal.
Calvin Phillips – 7
A first start of the season for a player who continues to be valued by Southgate – if not his club. Booked for a quick challenge in the first half but showed his quality on the ball, passing the ball well and helping England take control of the game.
Jude Bellingham – 9
His goal taking was clinical – unsurprising after his free-scoring start to life at Real Madrid – and showed his class throughout, relishing his advanced role in midfield and setting up England’s third well for to Kane with a super turn and run. An amazing show.
Marcus Rashford – 8
His speed and movement caused problems for Scotland from the start as he repeatedly got in behind their defence. Foden teed up for an early chance, then had a hand in his team-mate’s opener, cleverly finding Walker from Bellingham’s through-ball.
Phil Foden – 8
Southgate feels his future lies in England’s front three rather than midfield and this performance showed why. Took the first goal well, deflected Walker’s effort past Gunn, then produced a wicked cross towards the second.
Harry Kane – 8
Linked the game effectively and, after a frustrating night in front of goal, got the third better after a good turn and pass by Bellingham, burying a low finish into the far corner.
SUBS
Harry Maguire – 4
His early touches were enjoyed by the home fans after his introduction for Guehi and his wicked own goal only added to the feeling that his days in this England team should be numbered.
Bukayo Saka – 7
A neat cameo from the Arsenal man, whose direct running caused Scotland problems.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Had to bury his chance when put on goal by Walker shortly after his introduction.
Callum Wilson – 6
Given the last few minutes in place of Kane.
Conor Gallagher – 6
Replaced player-of-the-match Bellingham later.