Last night, we learnt nothing new about England’s World Cup chances in Brazil. This is due to the fact that England played against a very mediocre team, and strolled towards a victory that should be expected against this calibre of opponent, with all due respect to Peru. The England starting line-up looked as if it might be Roy Hodgson’s first XI for the game against Italy, but if England play with the same intensity and lack of creativity, against Italy and Uruguay, then I can’t imagine a scenario where England will get out of the group stages. I find it disappointing that we started with 5 players, who play for Liverpool and Southampton, two teams which played very attractive styles of football during the course of the season, but hardly harnessed any of the talent that we have seen from those players this season.
Joe Hart
Needs to have a great tournament in Brazil for England to have a realistic chance of progressing from the group, and it was encouraging to see him put in a very good performance, in which he had to be very alert and in the process made brilliant saves against Jean Deza and Luis Ramirez. FootyKicks’ Man of the Match, which is a worry as we were playing Peru. 9
Glen Johnson
England’s best right back, which is a worry as he looked very shaky. He played Ramirez onside and relied on Joe Hart to make a great save. He is a lot better going forward than in defence, which is not what England need in Brazil, any decent left winger will expose him. 5
Gary Cahill
England’s first choice central defender, had little to do defensively but had a bit of a nervy moment in a tussle with Luis Ramirez at the start of the match. He showed his attacking potential scoring from a corner to make it 2-0. One suspects that he will have more to do in Brazil. 7
Phil Jagielka
Promising performance considering that he has just come back from injury, and will hopefully be a lot sharper when England face Italy. Slightly worried about his lack of pace, which might be ruthlessly exposed by Cavani and Suarez, when England face Uruguay, shown when Suarez ripped him apart in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Everton. 6
Leighton Baines
Showed great attacking potential, and linked up well with both Rooney and Welbeck. He is going to start in Brazil, and still has 2 friendlies to prove that he is as solid as Ashley Cole in defence. However, left back is not a position where England should be concerned. 7
Steven Gerrard
Looked slightly jaded, in what will probably be his last performance for England at Wembley. Hopefully the season hasn’t taken its toll on Gerrard. Physically, playing the majority of games in a season at 34 years of age is not easy, and hopefully the slip up against Chelsea has not affected him mentally ahead of the World Cup. England need to rap him up in cotton wool to make sure he does not get injured, as I can’t see a player in the squad to replace him. 7
Jordan Henderson
Did not make any driving runs through the middle of the pitch, which he has done so often for Liverpool this season. Slightly underwhelming performance as he didn’t really do anything to affect the game, and played the game at a very slow tempo. He didn’t do anything wrong, but against Peru, I expect better. 6
Danny Welbeck
Had a poor performance, he was very poor in possession and lost the ball cheaply on several occasions. Did not make any runs to break through the defence, and was also disappointing in his 20 minute cameo in his favourite role as a striker. I still think he will start ahead of Sterling due to his defensive qualities. 5
Wayne Rooney
Bringing two fitness coaches on his holiday obviously made no difference to Rooney’s overall play. He lacks match sharpness but will start no matter what in Brazil due to his rare moments where he can win the game on his own, but those moments have not happened enough in an England shirt. Always seemed to pass backwards rather than looking forwards, which stifled any momentum that England created. 5
Adam Lallana
Was one of the only players who seemed comfortable actually running at the Peru defence, and made a good run to set up Sturridge’s first opportunity. He was also very composed and positive on the ball. He looked to speed up the tempo of England’s play and always looked to pass forwards. Needs one more good performance to have a guaranteed starting place. 7
Daniel Sturridge
Selected as England’s main striker, and had a very good performance. Scored an absolute screamer, which showed some of the talent that was on display for Liverpool this season. Looks as if he might have the No.9 position sealed, which is a good thing for England if he can put in another performance like this in Brazil. 8
Substitutes
Jack Wilshere (for Gerrard, 64)
Looked sharp and made several good passes and looked generally positive. Will be interesting to see if Hodgson picks Henderson or Wilshere in Brazil, Henderson may be favoured due to Wilshere’s lack of matches. 6
Raheem Sterling (for Rooney, 66)
One of England’s most lively players, was very good at running directly at Peru’s defence. Unfortunately, it looks like Sterling is destined to be an impact substitute, his pace will cause serious problems for both Italy and Uruguay in the latter stages of the game. 7
Chris Smalling (for Jagielka, 73)
Gave Jagielka a rest towards the end of the game, and will be good cover in Brazil. 6
James Milner (for Lallana, 73)
A versatile option for Roy Hodgson, who has a very high work rate so will be useful in games where England will inevitably park the bus. He will get sunburnt in Brazil. 6
John Stones (for Baines, 75)
Won’t be in England’s 23 man squad, made his senior debut, his first of what will be many appearances in an England shirt. 6
Ross Barkley (for Sturridge, 82)
Didn’t have enough time to impose himself on the game, a good prospect for future tournaments.
Will Halse
FootyKicks 