Every player rated as defensive disaster class sees England beaten 3-1 by Netherlands

Netherlands are through to the Uefa Nations League final after beating England 3-1 on Thursday night.

Marcus Rashford gave England the lead after 30 minutes from the penalty spot, but Matthijs de Ligt equalised with 20 minutes remaining to take the game to extra-time.

The game was settled by two defensive mistakes by England, the first from John Stones which led to an own goal from Kyle Walker and another from Ross Barkley with Quincy Promes scoring a third.

But how did the players rate?

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Netherlands

Jasper Cillessen – 6 – Had a fairly quiet game though was beaten easily by Rashford’s penalty. Saved Sancho’s header well from close range to keep his side in the game shortly after the break.

Denzel Dumfries – 5 – For large parts of the game Dumfries looked out of his depth with Sancho having fun down the right, bringing out frequent fouls (five overall). But he produced a brilliant bit of defending to stop Rashford from doubling England’s lead.

Matthijs de Ligt – 6 – Looked quite weak at the back in the first half. Took his eye off the ball in receiving a pass from De Roon, allowing it to run under his feet. In trying to rectify his mistake, the centre-back fouled Marcus Rashford – his “toughest opponent“. However, he made up for the mistake with a powerful header from a corner which appeared to raise his defensive performance, helping his side keep England at bay.

Matthijs de Ligt has now scored in:

✓ Champion League quarter-final
✓ Champions League semi-final
✓ Nations League semi-final

That's how you make up for a mistake. 💪 pic.twitter.com/vGqFVTJx4n

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 6, 2019

Virgil van Dijk – 7 – Overshadowed his defensive partner, early on though he did not have too much to to do in the first half. Held firm as England pushed on late in the second half. A rock at the back as usual.

Daley Blind – 6 – The Ajax left-back had a good match both in defence and attack, never really looking out of his comfort zone.

Marten de Roon – 6 – Started well, helping Netherlands control the midfield, but lost his way slightly towards the end of the first half. Stepped up again after half-time but was taken off with his side needing a goal.

Frenkie de Jong – 8 – Was a class apart in midfield for the Dutch, running the game from midfield and giving Rice very little joy. It’s easy to see why Barcelona confirmed his signing early in the season.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 6 – Had a fairly quiet game, but did help Netherlands control the latter stages as they looked to protect their lead.

Steven Bergwijn – 7 – Enjoyed some time on the ball on the edge of the England box early on, and gave Chilwell something to think about. Netherlands biggest attacking threat throughout and should have won it but scuffed a shot wide late on.

Memphis Depay – 6 – Was Netherlands’ weak link in attack in the first half, looking quite nervous when on the ball. Missed a good chance at the start of the second half, firing straight at Pickford after good work to tackle Walker. But he did step up in the end, sending in a pinpoint corner which found De Ligt for Netherlands’ equaliser. And he helped put the game beyond doubt, teeing up Promes late on.

Ryan Babel – 6 – Had a good first half, but perhaps could have done better to push his side towards goal. Taken off with Ronald Koeman looking for something else.

Substitutes:

Quincy Promes (for Babel 68) – 7 – Came to life in extra time and had the run on Walker to react quickest to Pickford’s save, forcing the second for his side. And he was in the right place to finish the game with five minutes to go.

Donny van de Beek (for De Roon 68) – 6 – His arrival helped Netherlands step up the intensity in midfield, pushing for an equaliser. But he did leave his side slightly stretched when England were pushing.

Davy Propper (for Bergwijn 90) – 6 – Had a decent 30 minutes, helping his side wrestle back control of the midfield.

Kevin Strootman (for De Jong 113) – N/A – A late sub.

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England

Jordan Pickford – 7 – Looked a bit shakier than usual on the ball, but was able to make routine saves. Helpless to stop De Ligt’s header. Produced a brilliant save to deny Depay when one-on-one but was beaten by Promes’ deflected effort. And was once again excellent to deny Depay’s header from close range.

Kyle Walker – 4 – Seemed to be getting caught out quite a bit with his offensive mindset, though was fortunate to see Netherlands’ attack wasteful on the ground. Lost De Ligt from a second-half corner, with the Dutch centre-back equalising. Caught out by Promes’ run in extra-time for the winner, unluckily deflecting the ball into his own net.

John Stones – 2 – A game to forget. Made a mess at the end of the first half, trying to be clever in playing out from the back. Then misjudged a header from a corner which allowed De Ligt an effort on goal. Was later at fault for De Ligt’s equaliser, allowing his opposition centre-back to climb above him from a corner. Then, lost the ball on the edge of his own area which led to Netherlands’ winner.

Harry Maguire – 4 – Looked to be the weak link in England’s defence, causing his own teammates some difficulties by being caught out of position. Was eventually outdone by his centre-back partner, but still a bad night for the Leicester man.

Ben Chilwell – 5 – Looked dangerous going forward but, like his full-back partner, left far too much space in defence, tucking in close to his centre-back.

Declan Rice – 6 – Did not have the first half, being pulled out of position. Did improve after Henderson’s arrival but overall was still some way off the level required by England.

Fabian Delph – 6 – Showed why Gareth Southgate continues to trust him, with a decent showing before being taken off.

Ross Barkley – 5 – Looked good at times, though his passing was sloppy on occasion – including one which led to Netherlands’ third. Unlucky not to record an assist for a fine pass to Lingard, with the Manchester United man having strayed offside.

Jadon Sancho – 7 – Caused problems for Dumfries early on but drifted centrally too, to maximise his effect. Embarrassed De Ligt with a nutmeg and pass which almost set up Rashford for a second – but for good defending from Dumfries. Should have doubled England’s lead shortly after half-time but his header was well saved by Cillessen.

Marcus Rashford – 6 – Struggled to get into the game but was quick to react to De Ligt mistake, winning a penalty for England. Stepped up to take and dispatched calmly but had to be taken off at half-time with an injury picked up by a tackle from Dumfries, when trying to double England’s lead.

Raheem Sterling – 6 – England’s starting captain had a really quiet first half, managing just eight touches of the ball. But Kane’s arrival at half-time gave the winger something to work with, and he got straight to working the Netherlands defence.

Substitutes:

Harry Kane (for Rashford 45) – 6 – His introduction at half-time brought power to England’s attack, giving De Ligt and Van Dijk something to think about.

Jesse Lingard (for Sancho 61) – 6 – Thought he had scored the winner racing onto Barkley’s through ball, but was disallowed for a marginal – but correct – offside decision.

Jordan Henderson (for Delph 77) – 6 – His arrival gave England a boost in midfield and helped them take back some control.

Dele Alli (for Rice 105) – 5 – Could not bring England back into the game.