A 60th minute beauty from Frank Lampard was enough to gift England an impressive win against Brazil last night. However, the performances of Arsenal duo Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott stole the show as this new look, young England side showed they can beat the worlds best.
Joe Hart ? 4/5 - Could do nothing about Brazil's goal, but produced two fantastic stops to deny Ronaldinho from the penalty spot. Not only did Hart save the penalty, he then showed great bravery and reflexes to deny him on the re-bound. A great performance from Hart, a game like this will surely silence any doubters about his ability.
Ashley Cole - 3/5 ? A typically solid display from Ashley on his 100th cap. Although Brazil targeted the England right hand side over the left, Ashley will have been pleased with his display. Cole was replaced at the interval by Leighton Baines.
Chris Smalling - 2.5/5 - Perhaps a surprise inclusion with the likes of Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott both in the squad. However, the young Manchester United centre half looked reasonably composed for the majority of the game, despite being the main culprit for England's 5 minutes of madness after Brazil equalized with a drilled back pass to Joe Hart. Still, a solid display from Smalling.
Gary Cahill ? 2.5/5 - A threat from both ends, Cahill gifted Brazil there goal before nearly restoring the English lead from a well taken corner. Other than that Cahill too had a solid game at the heart of the England defence, with some typical last-ditch defending from the Chelsea centre back.
Glen Johnson ? 3.5/5 - Given the task of marshaling the 'next big thing' Neymar and was comfortable throughout the 90 minutes, using his experience and athleticism to beat the young Brazilian star. Johnson typically got forward in his attacking role, and combined with Walcott very effectively down the right hand side for England.
Jack Wilshere. - 5/5 ? Man Of The Match. Wow. What a game from the future England captain. Ran the show in the first half, worrying Brazilian defenders constantly with his skillful driving runs and silky passing. Was wrongly deemed to of hand-balled Ronaldinho's cross in the first half, but Hart bailed him out. Still, a truly impressive performance by Jack Wilshere.
Steven Gerrard - 3.5/5 - A true experienced head in the England midfield, Gerrard showed encouraging maturity and discipline in his new England role. He linked neatly with Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley throughout the game, and consistently delivered dangerous set-pieces into the Brazil penalty area.
Tom Cleverley ? 3/5 - The least impressive of England's midfield in their first half performance. Although he was the typical engine which Manchester United fans love about him so much. Slid in bravely after Ronaldinho's penalty to distract Neymar in firing into an empty net.
Danny Welbeck ? 2.5/5 - Worked hard down the left hand side for England but failed to assert his authority into the game. Wasted a golden opportunity to double England's lead after some good work from Wilshere and Gerrard.
Theo Walcott 4/5 - Took time to really warm to his task, but once he got going the Brazilian defence simply didn't have a clue. The Arsenal forward bombed past Adriano twice with sheer ease, and produced two typically dangerous and accurate crosses into the box. England perhaps should have made more.
Wayne Rooney ? 3.5/5 - One of his best performance's in an England shirt, the Manchester United forward put his country ahead with a well-taken finish, as well as assisting Lampard's goal. Showed authority when he stormed back to the England back line and demand them to 'sort it out' after Fred's goal.
Substitutions
Leighton Baines ? 3/5 - Replaced Cole at the break and got forward to deliver one or two of his typically dangerous deliveries. Will be dissapointed not to have started, but even he would have been pleased and proud to see Cole earn his 100th cap.
Frank Lampard 4/5 - What an absolute beauty of a goal. His finish from Rooney's lay-off was one any striker would have been proud off. His performance's this season have been second to none, and Chelsea would be mad not to award him with a new contract. There will plenty of clubs interested in the Englishman, who himself is closing in on the 100th cap mark.
James Milner ? 2.5/5 - Came on for Welbeck after the hour mark and provided his usual hard-work, industrial commitment. Got up and down the left hand side well to provide support as England looked to see out the final half hour.
Aaron Lennon - 2.5/5 - Came on for Walcott, but failed to make a big impact on the game. Will be pleased to be back in the England set up.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG