Countdown: England Euro 2020 player performance rankings so far

Three games in, three wins and a goal difference of plus 13, it’s fair to say England’s start to their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign has been convincing.

Some players, however, have been considerably more so in their performances than others, and ahead of Tuesday night’s game with Kosovo we rank the 11 to have started at least twice thus far.

11) Dele Alli - 6.73 rating

With just one shot, one tackle and no key passes or interceptions to his name, Alli was the first player to be tactically substituted in each of England’s matches against Czech Republic and Montenegro for good reason. Not in the latest squad due to injury, the midfielder is now by no means guaranteed a place once he recovers.

10) Kyle Walker - 6.98 rating

The surprise omission from Southgate’s latest squad, Walker wasn’t at his best in England’s opening two fixtures in the group and struggled in Montenegro in particular. No player has been dispossessed for the Three Lions more times thus far (three), which isn’t ideal for a right-back and even less so one that has missed one of three qualifiers to date.

9) Jordan Henderson - 7.05 rating

You know what you are getting from Jordan Henderson, and that is probably why his coaches for club and country value the midfielder higher than perhaps your everyday fan. Starting all three matches so far, his ratings have ranged from a respectable 6.93 to 7.24, registering an assist in Montenegro to help earn the latter score.

8) Jordan Pickford - 7.11 rating

With seven saves from three matches and just one goal conceded it has been a predictably comfortable campaign for Pickford so far and in the most part he has looked assured. Barring a dramatic dip in form at club level, the quality of opposition in these qualifiers will mean his position won’t come under threat regardless.

7) Michael Keane - 7.42 rating

Very few would have had Keane down as a regular starter for England but injuries to John Stones have opened the door for the Everton defender to stake his claim. He’s partnered Harry Maguire in all three qualifiers thus far and looked relatively comfortable against admittedly modest opposition, keeping the ball particularly well, with the highlight being a crucial goal in Montenegro.

6) Declan Rice - 7.43 rating

Having started the opening group game against the Czechs at Wembley on the bench, Rice has grown in confidence since making that first substitute appearance and improved with each game. The West Ham youngster leads the side in tackles (11) and interceptions (five), combining for at least twice the number of any teammate.

5) Danny Rose - 7.49 rating

It had appeared as though Rose’s place as England’s starting left-back - never truly previously assured - was slipping away from him but the Spurs star is putting up a fight against Ben Chilwell. In his two appearances the defender has produced five tackles but crucially supported attacks well, completing four dribbles, creating three chances and finding a teammate with 92.6 per cent of his passes.

4) Harry Maguire - 7.51 rating

Along with Kane and Sterling, Maguire’s name is now guaranteed to grace an England teamsheet and his rise to regular was rubber-stamped when taking the captain’s armband late on against Bulgaria. The Manchester United man has been dominant across his three starts thus far, winning 10 of 13 aerial duels, completing eight tackles and interceptions combined and 94 per cent of his passes.

3) Ross Barkley - 8.34 rating

Perhaps the player to have improved his international reputation the most over qualifying, there was a long period - albeit due to injuries and a lack of playing time at club level - where Barkley’s Three Lions prospects looked doomed. Players were overtaking him in the pecking order at a pace but since coming on as an early sub against Czech Republic the Chelsea midfielder has taken his chance to rebuild his standing in the side with both hands. He has two goals and two assists in three appearances and has created five more chances (nine) than any other teammate.

2) Harry Kane - 8.64 rating

He may have bagged a hat-trick and his first assist of the campaign against Bulgaria but Kane still isn’t able to claim top spot. His form, however, is hugely encouraging, scoring in each qualifier so far and five times in total - albeit with three coming from the spot. That tally has come from a relatively modest total of nine shots, while creating a further four chances for teammates.

1) Raheem Sterling - 9.28 rating

With a rating of 8.67 against Bulgaria representing Sterling’s lowest of the campaign so far, it’s clear that the Manchester City star has found his feet at international level. He has matched Kane’s total of five goals - also scoring in all three matches - but taken just seven shots by comparison and doesn’t have spot kicks to rely upon. Throw in two assists and 11 dribbles and there is no doubt that Sterling has been the star of the show.