Euro 2012 Qualifying: England vs. Montenegro Player Ratings
England were frustrated by a solid defensive effort from Montenegro in a 0-0 draw. The result means Montenegro hold on to the top spot in Group G.
For all of the European pedigree England Coach Fabio Capello brings, England set out as traditionally as it gets. A base 4-4-2 saw Gareth Barry employed as holding midfield, and the side also featured two speedy wingers and a big man up front.
Here we look at each players' individual performance and rate them out of 10.
Joe Hart - 6
1 of 13
The young goalkeeper had little to do all evening. Hart made no saves of note but was lucky in the 84th minute, when a Milan Jovanovic shot had him beaten but cannoned back off the crossbar.
Glen Johnson - 7
2 of 13
The Liverpool right back has been under fire from fans recently, but played well enough in this game. Johnson performed his defensive duties well and got up and down the flank to support Adam Johnson in the attack.
Joleon Lescott - 6
3 of 13
Montenegro played with only one forward and as a result the England defense did not see much pressure. Lescott won some headers but was put under little pressure.
Rio Ferdinand - 7
4 of 13
The returning England captain performed well but saw little pressure playing against a one forward system. He showed composure on the ball with the exception of one second half turnover.
Ashley Cole - 7
5 of 13
Another player who is on the end of much criticism from the fans. Cole performed well, was never threatened defensively, and made many forays forward in support of Ashley Young. Cole tied Kenny Sansom's record of 86 caps for an England left back.
Adam Johnson - 7 (Star Man)
6 of 13
England's best player in a lacklustre team effort. Johnson was lively and always looking for the ball, when in possession the young winger aggressively dribbled at his fullback and was a constant thorn in the side of Montenegro.
Gareth Barry - 5
7 of 13
England's midfield anchor never truly got to grips with the three central midfielders of Montenegro. Barry was beaten twice by runners early on, and failed to make an imprint on the midfield throughout the game. His passing was mainly effective over short range but never threatened Montenegro. Booked.
Steven Gerrard - 6
8 of 13
So many times a match winner during his career, Gerrard disappointed in this game, drifting into defensive positions consistently to achieve possession and rarely making runs that threatened the Montenegro back line. Gerrard played one excellent through ball that resulted in a Wayne Rooney chance, but England need more from their midfield creator.
Ashley Young - 6
9 of 13
Another winger who took the chance to dribble at his man. Young succeeded in getting a couple of Montenegrin defenders booked drawing fouls with his direct style, he then received a ridiculous booking himself for a blatant dive in the penalty area.
Wayne Rooney - 5
10 of 13
Had a couple of chances but a disappointing performance from England's talisman. Rooney spent more time whining to the referee than threatening Montenegro, and dropped very deep as the game progressed. Although Rooney saw more ball when dropping deep, it was not in positions that threatened Montenegro.
Peter Crouch - 5
11 of 13
With England lining up with two traditional wingers, Crouch was clearly played to win aerial balls and threaten from crosses, he failed to do so. Crouch did not link up well with Rooney, and failed to win aerial possession from a series of crosses, corners and free kicks.
Kevin Davies (for Crouch, 70) - 6
12 of 13
Battering ram Davies may only be good at one thing, but he does it well. Davies was a physical presence and caused problems for Montenegro with a couple of knockdowns from long balls, one resulting in Rooney drawing a good save from Miladen Bozovic.
Shaun Wright-Phillips (for Young, 74) - 5
13 of 13
Straight swap for winger Young, on for only 15 minutes and failed to make an impact.
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