Everton midfielder Ross Barkley was England’s official man of the match – as selected by ITV pundit and former Three Lions manager Glenn Hoddle – as Roy Hodgson’s men beat Estonia 2-0 at Wembley on Friday night.
We agree that Barkley was the best player on the park, thanks to moments of individual brilliance like this, as well as his sublime assist for Theo Walcott’s goal, which came on the stroke of half time.
SEE MORE: Theo Walcott goal video: England 1-0 Estonia – Arsenal star strengthens bid for striking place
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Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling wrapped up the win five minutes from the final whistle, smashing home from close range after being played in by substitute Jamie Vardy.
A video of Sterling’s goal can found at the end of our England player ratings.
GK: Joe Hart (Manchester City) – 6/10
A very quiet night. England’s no.1 made a grand total of zero saves against a side who – other than San Marino – are the lowest scorers in Group E, with just four goals in nine qualifiers.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool) – 5/10
Spent much of the match camped out in Estonia’s half, where his attacking decision-making let him down.
CB: Chris Smalling (Manchester United) – 8/10
Smalling has been in fine form for United all season and he was solid again tonight. The former Fulham man produced a superb back-post clearance in the 31st minute as Estonia threatened to open the scoring against the run of play.
CB: Gary Cahill (Chelsea) – 8/10
Standing in as captain in place of Wayne Rooney, Cahill didn’t put a foot wrong. He maintained a commanding presence in defence, as well as offering an offensive threat at multiple corners.
LB: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton) – 6/10
Did OK, but was unable to frighten Estonia in the way one expects a fit Luke Shaw would have.
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