Ollie Watkins misses big chance as Rico Lewis impresses

May 2024 · 3 minute read

England ended their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw in North Macedonia. Manager Gareth Southgate has one more international block in March before deciding on his squad for next summer’s tournament. 

So who, if anybody, impressed and who disappointed tonight?

Jordan Pickford

Excellent penalty save from Bardhi and no chance with the rebound. His long balls to Watkins were a good route of attack for England. Nothing to do before the goal. 6/10   

Kyle Walker

Given the captain’s armband which was a signal to how important he is to this squad. Fouled Musliu when he was taken on but on the whole he does not get beaten one-on-one. 5/10  

Marc Guehi

Very good positioning to be in the right place to clear danger and was neat with his passes. He will be on the plane to Germany, barring injury. 6/10  

Harry Maguire

Poor passes in the first half played his team into danger and then could easily have been penalised when he tried to rescue the situation. Importantly did not lead to a goal. 5/10  

Rico Lewis

So unlucky with penalty as hand in Miovski face was accidental. Got shots away and got team out of trouble in tight areas in central areas. Very promising. BOOKED 6/10  

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Set pieces will be a danger to teams at the Euros. He also has a goal threat with his shooting from distance but faded a little in the second half. BOOKED 5/10 

Declan Rice

Hit post with drive in the first half from a similar position to his disallowed goal against Malta. Looked to have control of his area of the pitch before opener against the run of play. 5/10 

Bukayo Saka

Great dribble for goal that was chalked off for offside. Drew fouls and England will have to keep an eye on the knocks he is getting. 6/10  

Phil Foden

Good set pieces and his corner made equaliser. Frustrated at not getting on the ball enough. When he did he was neat with his passes as you would expect. But perhaps better off the flank than a No10. 6/10  

Jack Grealish

Looked the most likely source of joy for England when they were trying to get a breakthrough. Got good early crosses over but then frustrated, with one strike ruled offside. 6/10  

Jack Grealish had a goal ruled out for offside Credit: Shutterstock/GEORGI LICOVSKI

Ollie Watkins

Early miss in front of goal was a big moment - he headed wide while unmarked. Threatened to get behind the opponent’s defence but his big chance came with the header. 5/10    

Subs: Kane 58 (Watkins) 7/10, Phillips 84 (Alexander-Arnold) 5/10, Rashford 84 (Grealish) 5/10, Palmer 84 (Saka) 5/10.

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