--------------- --------------- |  | Last Updated: Saturday, 29 March, 2003, 19:22 GMT  |
Marks out of 10 for the England players following the Euro 2004 win in Liechtenstein.David James: Rarely tested, but still managed to endure one or two uncomfortable moments. Never established a commanding presence on crosses. Gary Neville: Steady, reliable, dependable; all that you would expect of Gary Neville - and a Swiss watch. No doubt did all that Eriksson asked of him. Wayne Bridge: Defended well - and had to as cover from Dyer was minimal. Distribution below his usual high standard. Rio Ferdinand: So cool he bordered on casual at times. His concentration levels were not what you would expect of the world's most expensive defender. Gareth Southgate: Was given a more uncomfortable time than he should have been. Did not know whether to stick or twist when Mario Frick dropped deep. David Beckham: A trademark free-kick provided the breathing-space of a second, but all-round performance below expected standard. Too often hit first defender with his cross. Kieron Dyer: Pace made him a threat when in possession in the first-half, but showed little discipline defensively. A better side would have made him and England pay. Paul Scholes: Busied and beavered away all evening but never really stamped his authority on the game as he should. Steven Gerrard: England's best midfielder. Tried to mix it up with a good range of passing. Smart move to take him off! Michael Owen: Literally led from the front. Great striker's instinct for England's first goal, but given little in the way of telling service. Emile Heskey: Worked hard and great cross for Owen's opener. But that is not enough. He is a striker, and showed no signs of increasing his tally against part-time defenders. SubstitutesNicky Butt (for Steven Gerrard): Slotted in front of the back four with the game won. Neat, tidy, but hardly breathtakingly inspirational. Danny Murphy (for David Beckham): Much the same as for Nicky Butt. A good player to bring on when the game is won, but could he change a losing situation?
Wayne Rooney (for Emile Heskey): Not on long enough to gain a rating.
|  | LIECHTENSTEIN 0-2 ENGLAND  ENGLAND EDGE TO WIN  EXPERT VIEW   |
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