England ratings: Southgate’s younger Lions Saka and Bellingham shine against Austria but question marks still in defence

BUKAYO SAKA’S first England goal sunk Austria in a gentle Euro 2020 warm-up game as Gareth Southgate’s younger Lions boosted their starting chances.

But big question marks remain over the defence – especially in the absence of injured Harry Maguire.

Reuters

Wideman Bukayo Saka battled to break down the Austria defence before stretching to hit a 56th minute opener[/caption]

Getty

England playmaker Jack Grealish again looked at home at international level[/caption]

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PA

Jude Bellingham again looked up tot he job, aged just 17[/caption]

Harry Kane was England’s only specialist frontman, although Jack Grealish flickered promisingly just behind him.

Here’s how the Three Lions rated, on a night when they finished with nine men due to injuries, most worryingly to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Liverpool star limped off late on just a day after squeezing into the 26-man squad as its FOURTH right-back.

JORDAN PICKFORD – 7

Showed prowess with his feet with a lovely pass to release Grealish. Was commanding dealing with set-pieces, an area where Austria threaten.

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 6

Went for glory in fourth minute after raiding down the right. Starting point was always advanced as he was given licence to push on, and defended well when called upon.

CONOR COADY – 6

Caught out horribly by dashing underneath a header to allow Austria to break and needed to be saved by Mings challenge. Always organising, but distribution is a concern, especially playing in a back four.

TYRONE MINGS – 6

Fortunate not to concede a penalty and see red after forearm smash on Sasa Kalajdzic. Reacted well to bail Coady out with goal-saving challenge just before the break.

KIERAN TRIPPIER – 6

Showed his versatility by producing another capable display having been switched to left back. Always quick to press when not in possession, will play a key role this summer.

DECLAN RICE – 6

Went about his work quietly as he tries to get used to playing the loan role protecting the England defence. Bigger tests will come, but rarely flustered and starting to look at home in international game.

JUDE BELLINGHAM – 7

Should have done better with an early unmarked header of first senior start for his country, then did the dirty work with a brave block from Sabitzer. Did his chances of Euros action no harm.

JESSE LINGARD – 6

Lively from the off to show heartache of being axed would never damage his desire to play for his country. Played mostly on the fringes but produced a delightful touch in the build-up to the opening goal.

JACK GREALISH – 7

After a slow start, began to find pockets of space playing the number ten role, finding a lovely pass to put Kane clean through. Attracted some rough tactics from the Austrians and physical fitness was tested to the max, but played part in opening goal with pass and surging run.

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BUKAYO SAKA – 7

Showed intent at first opportunity skipping past two defenders and crossing to force a corner. Stuck to his task despite some heavy challenges and got his reward by reacting quickly to slide in his first goal for his country.

HARRY KANE – 6

Showed passing range with lovely switch to set up a chance for Alexander-Arnold, but slipped at vital moment to spurn first sight of goal. Dropped too deep at times, leaving England short of options in the middle on rare times they did get in good positions.

SUBS

James Ward-Prowse (for Rice, 61 mins) – 6
Ben Godfrey (for Mings, 61 mins) – 6
Ollie Watkins (for Lingard, 61 mins) – 6
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (for Kane, 62 mins) – 6

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