Rating the England Players Against Scotland
Labelling it officially, it was a friendly between two international countries. But everybody knew that a clash between England and Scotland was to going be anything but.
Wembley had over 80,000 occupants for the first game between the two nations in 14 years, and it did not fail to disappoint. Those who were expecting a bore draw with very few tackles or chances were very much mistaken, as England fought from behind to secure an enthralling 3-2 victory over their British Isles rivals.
James Morrison shocked the home side with a powerful drive that Joe Hart could not handle, before Theo Walcott's equaliser on the half-hour mark. Gordon Strachan's side then went ahead again with a superb finish from Kenny Miller, but Roy Hodgson's Three Lions were resillient and a header from Danny Welbeck drew them level.
Rickie Lambert came on for his debut and, as if written in the stars, immediately repaid the faith shown in him by Hodgson with a stunning header which spared England's blushes.
We've rated the players based on their performance, so be sure to let us know whether you agree by commenting below.
GK: Joe Hart
The Manchester City goalkeeper has kept 16 clean sheets in his 32 caps prior to the Scotland game, but he would want to move on very quickly after a howler allowed the Tartan Army to open the scoring. Granted, his view was limited, but James Morrison's strike should not have got past a goalkeeper of his calibre. Looked nervous at times and far from his best for England.
Rating: 5/10
RB: Kyle Walker
Replacing Glen Johnson at right-back, Kyle Walker was given a rare opportunity to show Roy Hogdson what he could do and had a solid performance. Up against Shaun Maloney and Robert Snodgrass, who drifted out to the left, his pace and determination allowed the Tottenham full-back to ensure he was never out of place. His positioning needs work, but overall a decent showing from the 23-year-old.
Rating: 7/10
CB: Gary Cahill
Usually a reliable figure at the heart of defence, it wasn't the best of games for Gary Cahill, as he failed to keep Kenny Miller quiet. The Chelsea defender showed his aerial ability but again proved why there are doubts over his consistency, as Miller turned him far too easily to score the equaliser. Cahill needs to improve if he is to keep Phil Jones and Chris Smalling out of the side.
Rating: 5.5/10
CB: Phil Jagielka
Rarely tested, as his defensive partner Cahill was given the task of handling Miller, the Everton captain highlighted how, even as a defender, you can have a quiet game. That said, he hardly put a foot wrong and kept possession from the back before being substituted. A decent if unspectacular performance from the 30-year-old.
Rating: 6/10
LB: Leighton Baines
Given the chance to show why he should be a regular feature in the England side, it was a slightly disappointing showing from Leighton Baines. The 28-year-old is usually seen pacing down the left-hand side but was pegged back by Alan Hutton and the Scotland midfield, and his crossing was not to the level we've come to expect. Unlikely to play against Moldova after a below-par display.
Rating: 6/10
CM: Steven Gerrard (c)
As usual, England captain Steven Gerrard looked confident in possession and had to lead his side through tough periods of the match when they were losing. Adopting a more relaxed role in the centre of midfield suited the 33-year-old as he sprayed passes out to the wings. That said, he wasn't in the limelight as his midfield colleagues snatched the spotlight.
Rating: 6.5/10
CM: Jack Wilshere
One of England's finest products in recent years, it's clear that the Arsenal starlet is poised to have a superb future. The 21-year-old looked lively, looking to play one-twos with his teammates and felt the need to be the creative hub of the side. His fitness needs work due to his recent string of injuries but the signs are encouraging from the highly-rated playmaker.
Rating: 7/10
CM: Tom Cleverley
The 24-year-old Manchester United man has come in for some criticism for his role on the England side, but proved his critics wrong with a superb assist for the first equaliser. After receiving the ball from Walker, the playmaker sent a searching ball out to Walcott, who did well to create the opening and finish. Substituted, but a better display from the 10-cap man.
Rating: 7/10
RW: Theo Walcott
Starting out on the right-hand side, the Arsenal winger showed why he is a valuable asset in the England team with a great solo goal. After being played through by Cleverley, the 24-year-old showed his abundance of pace, racing past the Scotland defender before twisting and turning to finish past McGregor. Replaced, but would have been pleased to get on the scoresheet with a lively display.
Rating: 7.5/10
LW: Danny Welbeck
Another Manchester United player under pressure, another great performance. For 22-year-old Welbeck, the criticism was perhaps unfair, given his impressive return of five goals in 16 games for the Three Lions. And he added to his tally once again, heading home Gerrard's excellent free-kick, as well as linking up brilliantly with Walcott and Wayne Rooney. Deservedly picked up the man of the match award.
Rating: 8/10
ST: Wayne Rooney
Questions were inevitable over Rooney's involvement for England after his fall-out with Manchester United, but the 27-year-old generally looked lively, and for a player who was reported to be injured, he seemed to be in good shape. Perhaps lacking the sort of service he is used to and was isolated as a result, but Jose Mourinho would have been quietly impressed.
Rating: 6.5/10
Substitutes
Frank Lampard (on 45') - Despite turning 35 earlier this summer, the Chelsea midfielder showed his desire to be involved in the England setup, coming on for Wilshere and showing great composure in the midfield. Rating: 6.5/10
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (on 60') - Deployed in the centre of midfield after replacing Gerrard, the Arsenal youngster showed his versatility with some excellent passes. A confident display. Rating: 7/10
James Milner (on 66') - Surprised not to be included in the starting lineup, Milner managed to get on the ball a few times and looked lively in the midfield. Rating: 6/10
Rickie Lambert (on 66') - A debut to remember for the 31-year-old Southampton striker, with a bullet header handing England the winner just five minutes after coming on. Could have had a hat-trick, must be in contention for the Moldova game. Rating: 8/10
Wilfried Zaha (on 70') - Only his second appearance for England, the young winger presented himself well on the right-hand side, displaying confidence and good technique. One for the future, for sure. Rating: 6/10
Phil Jones (on 81') - NO RATING











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