In Gareth Southgate’s side’s final game before travelling to Germany for EURO2024, Iceland stunned Wembley to claim a 0-1 win. Having netted early in the first half, Jon Thorsteinsson’s early strike proved worthy of being the eventual match-winner.
In nine days’ time, England will play their first game of their EURO2024 campaign against Serbia. Friday’s performance may concern a few fans heading into the match, after what can only be described as a lacklustre performance from the Three Lions.
England player ratings [4-2-3-1]
Aaron Ramsdale [5/10]: He would have felt frustrated not to have dealt with the goal better, being beaten at his near post. He dealt with other efforts from the visitors well, although Pickford’s place looks cemented for the tournament.
Kieran Trippier [4/10]: Struggled in tonight’s game filling in at left-back, a department where England are lacking resources with Luke Shaw set to miss the opener against Serbia.
Marc Guéhi [6/10]: Looked comfortable on the ball, and read the forward line well. He’ll be hoping his performance was enough to earn himself a start against Serbia.
John Stones [5.5/10]: Only played the first half and was replaced by Ezri Konsa during the break. It was a major worry with the centre-back desperately needing game-time ahead of the EUROs. He seemed off the pace, with a few worrying moments in defence – including backing off for the goal.
Embed from Getty ImagesKyle Walker [4/10]: Despite finding himself in advanced roles on the right side, he was unable to produce quality going into the final third, with a few misjudged crosses. Far from his best game in an England shirt.
Declan Rice [6.5/10]: The man who urged his side forward with direct balls to the wingers, looking to produce the killer pass in the final third. However, a few misplaced balls did lead to Iceland counterattacks.
Kobbie Mainoo [6/10]: The youngster was at fault partly for the goal, leaving Haraldsson with room to drive into. He struggled to break down a stubborn Iceland side, although he took the ball well on the turn and was key for the few bright spells England had in the game.
Anthony Gordon [8/10]: Looked promising going down the left-hand side, causing problems for Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason with his speed and directness. He was one of the rare positives to take away from the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesPhil Foden [4/10]: Playing in the number 10 role, he struggled to make an impact. Creativity lacked from the Manchester City star.
Cole Palmer [7/10]: He was pulling the strings of the Iceland defence, presenting himself with opportunities throughout the night. The Chelsea man was unfortunate not to have an assist to his name, despite being wasteful with a few chances.
Harry Kane [5/10]: After a sitter missed in the first half, it wasn’t the Bayern Munich’s striker’s day. He struggled to get into the game, ending the game with no shots on target. His involvement concluded in the 65th minute, having shown good moments when dropping deeper but found himself isolated at times.
Iceland player ratings [4-3-3]
Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson [7/10]: A surprisingly quiet game for the man between the sticks, with a clean sheet at Wembley certainly something to treasure. The Brentford ‘keeper only had to make the one save from Foden’s effort.
Kolbeinn Finnsson [6.5/10]: He was caught out a few times by Palmer, but overall kept him at bay.
Sverrir Ingason [7/10]: Worked well alongside Grétarsson to deal with the England pressure.
Daníel Leó Grétarsson [7/10]: Dealt with the threat of Kane well, particularly in the first period. He had a major part to play in a memorable clean sheet against England.
Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason [6/10]: Struggled at times coming up against the nippy Gordon, particularly in the first half. The Newcastle winger got in behind on numerous occasions.
Hákon Arnar Haraldsson [7.5/10]: Finding his teammate for the opener, he had a solid game for the visitors.
Embed from Getty ImagesJohann Gudmundsson [6/10]: The Burnley midfielder matched the challenge of the midfield battle against Mainoo and Rice. Nothing outstanding about his performance, but held things together in the middle of the park.
Arnór Ingvi Traustason [7/10]: Had a part to play in controlling the midfield, denying any danger that England appeared to pose.
Mikael Anderson [6/10]: Didn’t offer much going forward for Iceland and wasn’t a stand-out in their victory.
Andri Gudjohnsen [7/10]: Looked to get an assist on the counterattack to double Iceland’s lead, but Thorsteinsson hit the deck with his shot completely miscued.
Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson [8/10]: Stunning Wembley Stadium with his early opener, a fired low strike beat Ramsdale at his near post. He was at the heart of the counter-attacks for the visitors, with the Lyngby striker unlucky not to be coming away with a couple of goals.