England ratings vs San Marino: Harry Kane excellent again in brilliant night for Emile Smith Rowe

The FA via Getty Images

England confirmed their place at next year’s World Cup with a 10-1 win against San Marino.

Harry Kane moved to within five of Wayne Rooney’s all-time Three Lions record of 53 goals, with four in the first half.

Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe also scored on his first senior start for his country on a night when England were rampant.

James Robson rated Gareth Southgate’s stars as they ended 2021 in style.

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Must have been as surprised as anyone when called into action. His debut was supposed to be a watching brief – but pulled off a sprawling save to deny Nanni’s deflected first half effort.

Harry Maguire 7

Another game, another goal. Notably less provocative with his celebration this time – at least in the eyes of Roy Keane. Either way, it has been a positive international break for the Manchester United captain, which may do him the world of good for the rest of the season.

Conor Coady 6

Pretty much never troubled, but still had to keep his concentration in the middle of a back three. Deserved run out for a selfless member of the squad and even took on the captain’s armband.

Tyrone Mings 6

Well-taken header to score England’s eighth. Brought the ball out well and given plenty of opportunity to build from the back against a side that did little to no pressing. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Somewhat overshadowed by Saka in the first half, with most of England’s play coming down the left. Got to combine with the Arsenal man on the right after a half-time rejig – and came up with three assists.

Jude Bellingham 8

Just makes the right decisions all the time. Strolled through midfield and kept San Marino on the back foot. Will surely be a starter come the World Cup.

Kalvin Phillips 6

England really did not need that extra layer of security, given the lack of threat from San Marino. Tidy as ever.

Bukayo Saka 8

England’s main source of creativity in the first half, with most of their good work coming down his side. Got on the score-sheet with his heavily-deflected strike.

Phil Foden 6

Sprinkled this game with moments of class. Clever twists and turns, combined with defence-splitting passes. His bicycle kick won England a penalty for their third goal.

Harry Kane 9

Only Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney stand ahead of him in the list of all-time England scorers. Back-to-back hat-tricks for his country and now just five short of Rooney’s 53 goals for the Three Lions. Just imagine if he’d played in the reverse fixture against San Marino.

Emile Smith Rowe 8

Just looks comfortable no matter what the occasion. Made some very clever runs to get in between San Marino’s deep-lying defence. And that is precisely how he got his first international goal in the second half.

Subs:

Conor Gallagher (Phillips, 46’)

What a spectacular rise he has had. Yet to make a single appearance for Chelsea, but now in the frame for a place in England’s World Cup squad. Probably should have got on the score sheet though.

Ben Chilwell (Maguire, 46’) 6

Practically played as a winger when coming on. Must have fancied himself to add to his recent goal-scoring streak.

Tammy Abraham (Foden, 46’)

Got the goal he was desperate for to press home his case to be first back up to Kane. Also turned provider, with his flick for Smith Rowe’s goal.

Reece James (Kane, 62’)

Came on in a midfield role to showcase his versatility.

John Stones (Smith Rowe, 76’)

N/A

Not used: Pickford, Stones, Johnstone, Walker

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