How did England players rate during the World Cup?

What the report says

BBC Sport’s England reporter Alex Howell assessed England’s squad after the team ended its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 6-4 win over France in the third-place play-off. The ratings followed a tournament in North America in which Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the semi-finals before losing to Argentina. Jude Bellingham was the standout, receiving a 9 after scoring seven goals, including one against France, and being described by BBC Sport as England’s central figure for the present and future.

Among defenders, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence were rated highest at 8. Guehi was praised for composure after returning to the side, including a strong quarter-final display against Norway, while Spence was highlighted as one of England’s breakout performers because of his versatility, pace and one-on-one defending. Ezri Konsa and John Stones each received 7, with Stones’ selection framed as a fitness risk that largely paid off despite a costly semi-final moment.

In midfield, Declan Rice earned 7.5 after playing through fitness issues and contributing a goal and assist while captaining England against France. Elliot Anderson was rated 7 after starting most matches, while Jordan Henderson’s tournament was marked by a broken arm suffered after the Mexico match. Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon were among the higher-rated attackers, with Gordon credited for several decisive contributions and Saka finishing strongly with a hat-trick in the bronze-medal match.

The BBC report matters as an early post-tournament evaluation of England’s squad depth, injury concerns and emerging options after another near miss at a major tournament. Several younger players, including Spence, Nico O’Reilly and Jarell Quansah, were presented as gaining valuable international experience.