Spence delivers on the biggest stage
Djed Spence was the undeniable standout for England in their crushing 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. The full-back, a surprise selection by manager Thomas Tuchel, earned a team-high 8/10 rating from Sky Sports, capping a performance full of industry and crucial interventions.
His perfectly timed tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone early in the second half was one of the defining moments of the match, epitomising a display that justified Tuchel’s gamble. Spence offered an attacking threat whenever possible and looked at home against world-class opposition. On a night when England’s defensive resolve eventually crumbled, the Tottenham man emerged with his reputation greatly enhanced.
Big names fail to fire
While Spence rose to the occasion, several of England’s marquee players wilted under the pressure. Jude Bellingham received a 6/10, with the Real Madrid superstar repeatedly targeted by Argentina and unable to replicate the form that had lit up the tournament. The midfield dynamo, so often England’s catalyst, was effectively shackled and failed to impact the game in the final third.
Even more disappointing were Declan Rice and captain Harry Kane, each awarded a 5/10. Rice, still not at his marauding best after a season disrupted by illness, offered little in transition and his set-piece delivery was only marginally improved. Kane, isolated as England sat deep to protect their lead, provided almost no outlet and cut a frustrated figure throughout. Their collective failure to impose themselves proved costly as Argentina’s late surge snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Mixed returns elsewhere
Among the other starters, Anthony Gordon took his goal well to earn a 7/10, though his evening was cut short as Tuchel switched to a defensive shape. Elliot Anderson also earned a 7 for diligently shadowing Lionel Messi, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made some vital second-half saves to keep England in front before Argentina’s late barrage. Defenders John Stones and Marc Guehi both scored 7 for their dogged resistance, but the tactical retreat after Gordon’s opener ultimately backfired.
Substitutes Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O’Reilly all received 5/10 after failing to stem the tide, while late introductions Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford had no time to make an impact. The ratings paint a clear picture: England’s peripheral figures battled bravely, but the stars who were meant to drive them to a first final since 1966 fell well short.