England player ratings as duo struggle in Italy loss at San Siro

England have been relegated to League B in the Nations League following a 1-0 defeat to Italy at the San Siro in Milan on Friday night. The Three Lions are five games without a win and needed to beat Italy and also Germany on Monday to stay up but Giacomo Raspadori’s second-half goal was enough for the European champions, who will be absent from the upcoming Qatar World Cup, to condemn the Three Lions to the drop.

Nick Pope – 6

One early nervy moment where he fumbled ball round the post. Otherwise sound and commanding.

Kyle Walker – 5

Always looks composed but there is usually one slip-up in him. Needed to be nearer Raspadori for the goal.

Eric Dier – 7

Reclaimed his shirt with the confidence Antonio Conte has given him. Tidy influence at back.

Harry Maguire – 6

Looked ungainly at times, but had little help from Saka and Sterling down left flank and survived.

Reece James – 6

England needed to use his pace as an outlet more if they want to hurt well-organised teams.

Declan Rice – 6

He worked hard to stay in the midfield battle but could not turn defence into attack as quick as Jorginho.

Jude Bellingham – 6

Flashes of skill with Phil Foden are promising for the future but he needs him to make things happen now. Headed late chance over.

Bukayo Saka – 5

Looked lost as a left wing-back, treading on Sterling’s toes too much. Play him forward or not at all.

Raheem Sterling – 6

A couple of times he threatened to burst into life but needs to get himself on the ball more somehow.

Harry Kane – 6

One long-range shot showed when he’s on the ball, anything’s possible. Link-up play not as sharp as usual.

Phil Foden – 8

England’s best player because his reading of the game often put him where he could hurt Italy – or thwart them.

Substitutes

Jack Grealish (on for Saka, min 71) – 6

Luke Shaw (on for Walker, min 72) – 6

Italy ratings: Donnarumma 7; Toloi 6, Bonucci 7, Acerti 7; Di Lorenzo 6, Barella 7 (Pobega 63, 5), Jorginho 8 (Palmieri 89), Cristante 6, Dimarco 7 (Frattesi 89); Raspadori 8 (Gabbiadini 81), Scamacca 7 (Gnonto 63).