Hodgson's side against Russia: how each England player fared

Roy Hodgson appeared to make some crucial tactical errors. The Three Lions were better than the Russians and deserved to win the match, but coaches sometimes make poor decisions that cost their team the victory.

Joe Hart (GK)

The Manchester City goalkeeper could have done better in the final minute, when the Russians found his net. He made only one save, but there were not many attempts on his goal.

Kyle Walker (RB)

Walker was England’s best player in the first half. His pace and skill created several goal-scoring chances for The Three Lions, and the Tottenham full-back also performed well in defence. He was in his best form and looked very likely to start England’s second match, against Wales.

Chris Smalling (CB)

Smalling’s performance was flawless until the very last minute of the game, when he was poorly positioned and could not help Hart keep a clean sheet. Even so, Smalling was strong in the air and gave the Russian forwards no chance until added time.

Gary Cahill (CB)

Cahill should not be blamed for Russia’s goal. He had a good night in Marseille and received a yellow card in the 62^nd minute. The Chelsea centre-back was brilliant in defence.

Danny Rose (LB)

The left-back was more active in the second half, when England built more of their attacks down the left flank. Rose delivered a great ball to Rooney, who hit the bar after the break. He did let Berezutski score with a header in the 92^nd minute, but overall Rose impressed with his performance.

Wayne Rooney (MC)

Rooney showed he can play anywhere on the pitch and proved once again that he is a world-class player. His role against Russia was very similar to the one Paul Scholes played at Manchester United. Rooney’s passing was top level, with an accuracy of more than 90 %. He also came close to scoring in the second half, when he hit the bar.

Eric Dier (MC)

Eric Dier’s performance against Russia was very impressive. The Tottenham player scored England’s only goal of the game from a free-kick in the 73^rd minute. He also made some key passes during the match. An excellent game for Dier.

Dele Alli (MC)

For most of the match Alli was invisible. He needed to improve if he wanted to stay in the starting eleven. Alli had an attempt on goal in the opening minutes, but his shot went wide.

Adam Lallana (RW)

Liverpool’s Lallana could be blamed for England’s failure to score in the first half. He missed two clear chances created by Walker’s excellent dribbling. And although Lallana was in an offside position after Rooney’s shot hit the bar, he also failed to find the net again when he hit the post. It was hard to understand why Hodgson left him on the pitch for 90 minutes.

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Sterling showed a great desire to help his team win. Tireless as usual, the winger chased every ball. He was better in the first half and was substituted after the break. Not a bad performance from Raheem Sterling.

Harry Kane (SC)

Harry Kane was not at his usual level and could have done better. Hodgson should have given Vardy the chance to replace Kane in the second half. It was also a mystery why Kane took all the corners, since almost every one of them sailed over all the players in the box.

Jack Wilshere (Substitution)

Wilshere has imagination, but he did not yet look ready to play on such a stage. Hodgson should have kept Rooney on the pitch until the final whistle.

James Milner (Substitution)

Milner was brought on to help England protect their lead. The opposite happened, but Milner should not be blamed for any of it.

Players such as Vardy, Barkley and Sturridge were given no chance to show their qualities, and they had a stronger claim than Wilshere to come on. When it is obvious that the striker cannot make a difference, Vardy is the obvious alternative. It would be a serious mistake if Hodgson made no changes for the next game, against Wales.