Rating England's Euro 2012 Players
Another major international tournament, another heart-breaking exit on penalties. England will fly home from Euro 2012 after their quarter-final defeat to Italy after once again crashing out on penalties. Here’s how I would rate each players overall performance this summer.
Joe Hart
England’s undisputed No.1 did as much as any of his team-mates to drive a limited England side to the quarter-finals. Clean sheets against Ukraine and Italy were secured, albeit with a combination of good fortune alongside some excellent saves, while the Manchester City goalkeeper’s command of his area and vocal presence were a regular feature. 8/10
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Glen Johnson
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Joleon Lescott
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John Terry
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Ashley Cole
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Ashley Young
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Scott Parker
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Steven Gerrard
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James Milner
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Wayne Rooney
Arguably England’s most naturally talented player, and therefore the greatest disappointment. Rooney found the net in the win over Ukraine but he looked very rusty against both the co-hosts and Italy with his first touch, pace, passing and goal-threat all well below his best. 4/10
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Danny Welbeck
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Andy Carroll
Carroll started his first match against Sweden before the striker powered home the opening goal. Everyone knows what Carroll brings to the table and there is no doubt his presence can unsettle even the best defenders, although his all-round game means he remains an awkward selection for Hodgson. 6/10
Theo Walcott
Walcott completely changed the course of the match against Sweden, but could not have the same impact against Italy when brought on from the bench in the quarter-final. At just 23, Walcott should have several more tournaments to come with England. The consistency of his performances remains the big question-mark over the Arsenal forward and may explain Hodgson’s reluctance to give him a starting place in the team. 7/10
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
A shock inclusion for the opening game against France and perhaps unfortunate to then be left out of the next match against Sweden. The Arsenal teenager can be regarded as another player who has the potential to be a key player for England future. 7/10
Jordan Henderson
Henderson was drafted into the squad at the last minute following the injuries to Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry, Henderson was called upon from the bench when Parker began to tire in the games against France and Italy. The Liverpool midfielder was hardly likely to change the course of the game and is short on confidence after a tough season with his club. 5/10
Jermain Defoe
Tough to offer a rating on a 13-minute display against France, which is all the Tottenham striker was afforded during England’s campaign. Showed great fortitude to deal with the death of his father on the eve of the tournament, jetting back on that occasion and again a few days later to attend the funeral.5/10
Roy Hodgson
England’s manager had little time to prepare his squad for the tournament after being parachuted into the role following Fabio Capello’s resignation earlier this year. Reaching the quarter-finals with a limited squad was a decent achievement, with the majority of his team selections and tactical switches suggesting the Three Lions should have little difficult qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. How they will fare in Brazil if they are relying only on organisation and heart remains to be seen. 8/10
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