Player ratings after a loss are always a tough, but interesting read and in the case of England’s loss to France in the World Cup quarter-final, it was certainly the latter.
As a collective during the match, England were impressive but in the crucial moments, individual quality let the side down.
The Mail on Sunday’s Three Lions got some fans absolutely seething, most notably after Harry Kane, who missed his second penalty that would have made it 2-2, was given a higher score than Bukayo Saka, who was arguably England’s best player.
Mail on Sunday gave Harry Kane a 7 and Bukayo Saka a 6.5. pic.twitter.com/1WR8ZFCH73
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) December 11, 2022
Kane was the joint-second highest rated England player alongside Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford with 7 while Saka, who gave Theo Hernandez a rough ride on the flanks for the entire match while also winning England’s first penalty, was handed a 6.5.
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The reaction from supporters was filled with confusion, with many lost for words.
Journalist who rated these should never work in football again!
— Ryan Snelgrove (@RyanSnelgrove81) December 11, 2022
Saka rating is a joke. No mention of Macguire getting beaten in the air for the winner. 6 for Henderson seems harsh. Not my cup of tea generally but actually thought he played well.
— Rob Taylor (@Ferret11Rob) December 11, 2022
Of course, ratings are a matter of opinion and despite some very interesting takes from the Mail on Sunday, England fans should feel very proud of how their team took the game to the reigning World Cup champions, despite falling just short of their second consecutive World Cup semi-final.