Despite a manager who promised something different, for England it was another tournament that ended in an all-too familiar fashion.
While victory over France on Saturday secured the Three Lions’ best World Cup finish since 1966, disappointment still hangs in the air after England’s crushing semi-final defeat to Argentina.
A heroic victory over Mexico at the Azteca in the last-16 will stick long in the memory for those who stayed up into the early hours back home.
But ultimately, it was another major tournament where the Three Lions never quite reached their full potential before falling at one of the final hurdles.
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And as the dust settles, Metro has examined Thomas Tuchel and his 26-man squad with a fine-tooth comb to rate their performances from this World Cup.
The manager
Thomas Tuchel – 5.5
A chaotic ten-goal thriller against France should only briefly ease the pressure on the Germans’ shoulders.
Having promised to build an England side who would rise to the challenge against the world’s best, he then orchestrated his side’s late demise against Argentina with a slew of baffling changes.
Apart from periods against Croatia and the first half against France, fans rarely saw the high-energy, attacking team that was promised to them. Conditions played their part, but Tuchel will have no doubt learned plenty of lessons from his first major international tournament.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford – 6.5
An up-and-down tournament from England’s first-choice goalkeeper in what could be his third and last World Cup. Made some crucial saves as England held on against Mexico, but also let himself down when conceding the opener at his near post versus DR Congo.
May have a fight on his hands to hold on to the gloves in the coming years, with Dean Henderson and James Trafford waiting in the wings.
Dean Henderson – 6
Got his first World Cup appearance in a chaotic third-place play-off against France. Made some sharp stops in the first half, but could do little to prevent the French onslaught in the second period.
James Trafford – N/A
One of two players not to feature for Thomas Tuchel’s side this summer. Will no doubt be a big part of future squads to come.
Defenders
Reece James – 6
One of Tuchel’s main men in qualifying, but didn’t quite live up to that billing at the tournament itself. Impressed off the bench against Norway in the quarter-final, but his injury problems, which saw him miss games against DR Congo and Mexico, continue to be a problem in intense and jam-packed tournaments such as this one.
Djed Spence – 7
Struggled against Ghana in his first start of the tournament, but only grew in confidence from there. Ultimately more than justified his selection as a versatile, energetic full-back with his cameo appearance against Norway and impressive displays against Argentina and France. His inch-perfect sliding tackle to prevent Giuliano Simeone’s shot in the semi-final will live long in the memory.
Nico O’Reilly – 6
Came close to scoring with a late header against Ghana but otherwise failed to provide enough attacking threat down England’s left flank. Looked nervy at times when faced with one-on-one defensive situations, which perhaps is why he was dropped for Spence against Argentina.
John Stones – 6.5
Looked unconvincing in England’s opener against Croatia and was ultimately dropped for the next three matches. Helped see England over the line against Mexico and was superb keeping Erling Haaland quiet in the quarter-finals. Not quite the defender he was in his prime but played his part.
Marc Guehi – 7
A surprise omission from England’s starting lineup against Croatia but he played almost every minute after that and was probably England’s most consistent defender. The player who Tuchel needs to build his defence around moving forward.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Unlucky not to start the semi-final, but his strength and versatility were greatly valued throughout the tournament as England had to chop and change their defensive set-up. Superb rearguard action to help the Three Lions get over the line against Mexico.
Dan Burn – 6
Probably didn’t expect to play as many minutes as he did, but played his role to perfection. A cult hero for his cameo as England held on against Mexico before repeating the trick a few days later against Norway.
Jarell Quansah – 4
Was solid against Panama when asked to start out of position at right-back, but will have his campaign remembered only for his rash tackle and subsequent sending off at the Azteca Stadium, which nearly cost England.
Trevoh Chalobah – 3
A late replacement for Tino Livramento but only saw the pitch for a few minutes in added time against France.
Midfielders
Declan Rice – 6
Not his fault, but a gruelling season with Arsenal and illness midway through the tournament reduced Rice to a shadow of his usual self. Notched up a goal and an assist against France when captaining the side, but England badly missed his energy and all-action capabilities in the crucial knockout matches before that.
Elliot Anderson – 8
Perhaps England’s most underappreciated player at this tournament. Neither the altitude of Azteca nor the searing heat of Miami could hamper his energy and will to get about the pitch.
So often the first man to press the opponent in transition, and underrated in his ability to keep England ticking over and moving forward in possession. A superb first major tournament for the new Manchester City midfielder.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Afforded few opportunities, but did struggle to make an impact when brought on at half-time against Norway.
Impressed when given a start in a deeper role against France, providing a superb assist for Saka’s second, but was always going to find regular minutes hard given the calibre of players ahead of him in the pecking order.
Morgan Rogers – 6.5
Somewhat of a bit-part player despite the pre-tournament chatter that suggested he might start over Bellingham. Quiet when he did start against Panama, but was superb off the bench against Norway and provided an excellent assist for Gordon’s goal in the semi-final.
Jude Bellingham – 9.5
Difficult to know what more the Real Madrid star could have done to try and drag this England side into their first final since 1966.
Scored seven goals at this World Cup, the most by an England player at any major tournament, including match-winning braces against Mexico and Norway.
Ran himself into the ground to help England prevail against Mexico and Norway, and rounded off his tournament with a superb solo goal to seal victory against France. England’s standout player, and perhaps a captain-in-waiting when Harry Kane steps aside.
Jordan Henderson – 3
Just six minutes of action against Panama before his tournament was ended by a freak injury falling over advertising hoardings at the Azteca. Most likely fulfilled his role as an elder statesman in camp, but had limited impact on the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo – N/A
No doubt a hugely frustrating tournament for the Manchester United midfielder. His impressive form under Michael Carrick saw secure a late spot in Tuchel’s squad but ultimately didn’t get on the pitch, with a back injury denying him minutes in England’s final game against France. One to forget, but he’ll no doubt be back next time.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka – 6.5
Like his Arsenal teammate Rice, he was quite clearly not fully fit for this tournament. Tuchel carefully managed his minutes throughout the competition, but Saka still showed what he is capable of with three assists before a superb hat-trick against France in the bronze final.
Unfathomable that he remained on the bench for the duration of England’s semi-final.
Noni Madueke – 5
Got more minutes and starts than perhaps was expected given Saka’s fitness issues, but did not take the opportunity at all. Impressed in the first game versus Croatia when he stretched play well and won England’s penalty, but was too often wasteful with his final delivery.
Can still have a role in Tuchel’s side but plenty of room for improvement.
Anthony Gordon – 7.5
Grew superbly into the tournament after a poor first performance against Croatia. A difference-maker off the bench against DR Congo with two assists before winning a penalty and running himself into the ground against Mexico.
Took his moment when it came in the semi-final against Argentina with a superb finish.
Marcus Rashford – 5.5
Took his goal well against Croatia but failed to follow that up when handed starts against Panama and DR Congo. Gordon’s form saw him barely feature towards the closing stages of the knockouts apart from the briefest cameo in added time against Argentina.
Looked sharp when starting against France in what was quite possibly his final World Cup appearance – not the tournament he would have wanted.
Harry Kane – 8.5
Six goals and now the record scorer for England at a World Cup. Tuchel built his team around getting the best out of their captain, and it almost worked. Looked like an exhausting tournament just caught up with him towards the closing stages of the semi-final when his country needed one more heroic effort.
A sad way to go out if it is to be his last World Cup, but he will no doubt believe he can still play a massive part in a home Euros in two years.
Ivan Toney – 4
Was largely brought for his penalty-taking ability, which was never needed. Thrown on in the dying moments against Argentina to no avail and failed to get in on the act when England ran riot against France in the first half of their bronze final.
Ollie Watkins – 4
Featured quite heavily in Euro 2024 as Kane’s deputy but did not have the same opportunities this time around. Two substitute appearances and very little to write home about for the Aston Villa forward.
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