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

Although, occasionally out of sync with England’s poor offside trap.The Liverpool right-back was the only player to have a shot on target against Italy, which says a significant amount about England’s display. He showed his composure in defence and offered the side an additional threat going forward, his chances were limited by the team’s lack of possession. 7/10

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Joleon Lescott

Formed an excellent partnership with John Terry at the heart of England’s defence which could well be Hodgson’s preferred pairing heading into the World Cup qualifying campaign, even when Gary Cahill is back to full fitness. The Manchester City defender was strong in the air, composed and composed in the tackle. His goal in the 1-1 draw against France kick-started England’s surge to the top of Group D.  7/10

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John Terry

A controversial selection prior to the tournament given his off-field issues, the Chelsea captain demonstrated he remains a solid performer at international level and justified Hodgson’s faith. Suggestions of a possible dressing room rift swiftly evaporated and Terry embodied the general England spirit by putting his body on the line where required. His passion and commitment this tournament really impressed me, his desire to prevent a goal at all costs certainly aided the team v Ukraine.  8/10

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Ashley Cole

Missed his penalty against Italy, but must not be held responsible for England’s exit as without his displays in defence the Three Lions would not even have reached that stage. Cole won his 98th cap against Italy, before the match he’d made it clear he wanted to earn his century by reaching the final. Cole still remains the best left-back in the country, potentially in the World, I fully expect him to feature in the World Cup Qualifiers. 8/10

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Ashley Young

Unlike his namesake in the penalty agony stakes, Young is more likely to bear the brunt of England fans’ frustration. Any player who steps up in the shoot-out should be respected, but his displays prior to that point were frustratingly ineffective. The Manchester United winger was shrewd in possession, as a result he offered far too little in the opponents final third. 4/10

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Scott Parker

Linked well with Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield with the Tottenham man well suited to the holding role which allowed the captain greater freedom to get forward. His commitment to the cause was excellent. Every game he kept very busy when England’s inability to keep the ball pushed him closer to the back four. 7/10

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Steven Gerrard

Flourished as England’s captain and led by example with his displays on the field. Created three of the five goals scored by this side at the tournament and provided numerous other chances with his free-kick deliveries. The Liverpool man stepped up to fire home an excellent penalty against Italy. Like many of his team-mates, Gerrard became overrun by the Azzurri in the second half. 8/10

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James Milner

Offers boundless energy and determination, but needs to bring more than just those qualities to the table if he is to remain a member of England’s starting eleven. Milner missed a big opportunity to score in the opening game against France and, like Young on the opposite flank, was another who struggled to retain possession and did not threaten enough going forward. 5/10

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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

The 21-year-old was thrust into the starting XI for the opener against France and kept his place throughout England’s Euro 2012 campaign. Demonstrated his ability with a skillful finish against Sweden to seal a thrilling victory. With greater experience, which should bring more composure at key moments, Welbeck will become a key player for England. 7/10

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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