Coral’s England player ratings as Rooney breaks record against Swiss

Following England’s 2-0 win over Switzerland at Wembley which witnessed captain Wayne Rooney breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing international scoring record, Coral weigh in with our player ratings out of 10 for the match, with the Three Lions, 11/1 to win Euro 2016, still boasting a 100 per cent record in Group E.

Joe Hart: 6/10
Had very little to do, though when called into action, such as in the second half from a corner for example, he was alert as he pounced on a near post header to clear.

Nathaniel Clyne: 6/10
The Liverpool right back had a solid game, and his defensive work was important in keeping his winger in check. An energetic performance and will likely be a regular starter in this position for years to come.

Chris Smalling: 8/10
Manchester United centre half made a very compelling case as to why he should be a regular starter for his former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson. Perhaps the highlight was a lung-bursting one-on-one sprint with Xherdan Shaqiri, which saw his last-gasp, crucial challenge unfairly punished by the referee who instead gave a free-kick.

Gary Cahill: 6/10
England’s vice-captain had a tidy, but relatively quiet evening and was responsible for one of two shots in the first half. His experience and calm head is well valued at the back, though.

Luke Shaw: 8/10
His best performance in an England shirt; assisting the opener, the Southampton man has really improved his game. While being a constant threat going forward, it was his defensive effort that was perhaps the most impressive.

Fabian Delph: N/A
Although the Manchester City man started, it would be unfair to give him a rating as he was withdrawn within three minutes due to a hamstring injury.

Jonjo Shelvey: 5/10
While he may be excelling at club level, the Swansea City midfielder looks off the pace for country and still unsure what position to vacate at which time. While he dictated play in the San Marino match, against a technically better team he was lucky not to be caught out.

James Milner: 7/10
A solid, reliable performance from the Liverpool player, who should definitely, without question, be one of the first names on the teamsheet in future. His tireless contribution was a key component and gave the Three Lions assurance both on and off the ball.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7/10
Looked livelier in the second half, providing great pace on the counter-attack. His ability to carry the ball at speed can get England out of jail against better teams and he will be one of those who will get better in time.

Raheem Sterling: 8/10
It was there for all to see that him and Oxlade-Chmaberlain can prove a real menace to opponents and in the second half their smart interchanges had the Swiss pirouetting in vain at times as they tried to win the ball. Having also earned the penalty with his quick feet as he danced into the area, England have a useful weapon.

Wayne Rooney: 8/10
There wasn’t anything that you could fault from his performance and, as always from Rooney, his best contribution was his work without the ball as he chased lost causes and got back to defend. His hard work and endeavour paid off though, as he was rewarded with an opportunity to convert the penalty won by Sterling for England’s second goal of the evening to become the all-time record scorer for his country with 50 goals, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton.

Substitutes

Ross Barkley: 6/10
A distinctly average performance from the Everton man, who will have to raise his game further if he wants to feature regularly. Replaced Delph after three minutes, though needs to make the spot his own and take the game by the scruff of the neck like he does for his club.

He marked his third England appearance with a fourth goal, coming on just before the hour mark in place of Shelvey. A constant threat, his hooked, precise, left-foot finish in the penalty was almost Teddy Sheringham-esque and Hodgson may just have found a real gem for the Three Lions.

John Stones: 7/10
Came on for the last 20 minutes for Clyne and, while his best position may be centre back, he showed some impressive touches on the right and definitely has a huge future in an England shirt.