Saturday, June 7, 2014

England v Honduras: How World Cup hopefuls rated

England v HondurasEngland finished their preparations ahead of the Fifa World Cup 2014 with a 0-0 stalemate against fellow qualifiers Honduras in Miami.
Roy Hodgson and his men were left frustrated after a final warm-up match which was delayed by 40 minutes following an electrical thunderstorm in Florida.
But how did England's players rate ahead of the Group D opener against Italy on 14 June?

JOE HART (GOALKEEPER) - 6

England goalkeeper Joe Hart
Hodgson's first-choice keeper had little - or nothing - to do before he taken off after 74 minutes and replaced by Fraser Forster.

GLEN JOHNSON (RIGHT-BACK) - 5

England right-back Glen Johnson
Another poor display from the Liverpool defender, who was also unconvincing against Peru last week. He is fortunate that there seems to be no obvious alternative for Hodgson at right-back.

GARY CAHILL (CENTRE-BACK) - 6

England defender Gary Cahill
The Chelsea man was not seriously tested but was solid when called upon. Honduras were not a big attacking threat.

PHIL JAGIELKA (CENTRE-BACK) - 6

England defender Phil Jagielka
Same as Cahill. The Everton defender came through with no problems and will line up alongside his usual England central defensive partner against Italy in Manaus.

LEIGHTON BAINES (LEFT-BACK) - 6

England left-back Leighton Baines
Solid performance by the Everton full-back, who will be delighted to get out of the game unscathed after taking heavy punishment from the physical Hondurans.

STEVEN GERRARD (MIDFIELD) - 6

England captain Steven Gerrard
The England skipper was a steady presence in central midfield. Only given 45 minutes because of a slight groin strain and now ready to face Italy.

JORDAN HENDERSON (MIDFIELD) - 7

England midfielder Jordan Henderson
Energetic midfield performance and the Liverpool player has probably done enough to earn his place against the Italians.

ADAM LALLANA (MIDFIELD) - 6

England's Adam Lallana
Poor first-half from the Southampton skipper but he got more involved when Hodgson made his changes after the break. He will hope he has impressed his manager enough to start against the Italians.

DANNY WELBECK (FORWARD) - 7

England midfielder Danny Welbeck
The Manchester United forward is trusted by Hodgson and showed exactly why. He was always on the move, showed plenty of nice touches and set up a great chance for Daniel Sturridge in the first half.

WAYNE ROONEY (FORWARD) - 6

England forward Wayne Rooney
Some nice touches, and link-up play with Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, before coming off at the break.

DANIEL STURRIDGE (FORWARD) - 6

England forward Daniel Sturridge
Lively throughout but missed England's two best chances. Hodgson will hope the Liverpool striker, who scored 24 goals for his club last season, is more accurate when it really matters.

ENGLAND SUBSTITUTES

Jack Wilshere (for Gerrard, 46 mins) - 6

Looked livelier than he did against Ecuador but may not have done enough to force his way into the starting line-up against Italy.

Ross Barkley (for Rooney, 46 mins) - 6

Once again, the Everton youngster showed the drive and invention that England will surely need at some point in Brazil, even if he does not start the opening game.

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