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England Ireland ratings GFXGetty
Richard Martin

England player ratings v Ireland: Long live the English rebels! Dominant Declan Rice and Jack Grealish banish former loyalties in slick performance on Lee Carsley's dugout debut - but where was Harry Kane?!

The midfielders appeared extra motivated by the hostile atmosphere and were the two standout players in a Nations League stroll for the Three Lions.

Jack Grealish and Declan Rice may have grown up playing for Ireland but there is no question where their loyalties lie now after leading England to a comfortable win in Dublin.

Rice smashed an impressive England into the lead to get interim coach Lee Carsley - who represented Ireland 40 times as a player - off to a fine start in his quest to become Gareth Southgate's permanent successor. The Arsenal midfielder then set up the second goal for Grealish which was an exhibition of slick passing.

England let their foot off the gas in the second half but always looked comfortable and began their UEFA Nations League campaign in style.

GOAL rates England's players from the Aviva Stadium...

  • Goalkeeper & Defence

    Jordan Pickford (6/10):

    Only had to make one save, an easy parry to deny Sammie Szcmodics. Played more short passes than usual.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):

    Played a superb pass to Gordon for the first goal but his passing was generally poor and he later gave it away in his own area.

    Harry Maguire (6/10):

    Protected the ball well in possession, his passing was hit and miss.

    Marc Guehi (8/10):

    Technically excellent and physically unbeatable. Picking up where he left off after the Euros.

    Levi Colwill (6/10):

    A comfortable competitive debut. Handled the exciting Chiedozie Ogbene well.

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  • Midfield

    Declan Rice (9/10):

    He should urge crowds to boo him all the time because he utterly thrived in the hostile atmosphere. Ran the game from deep, struck the opener, then was instrumental to the second goal.

    Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

    Had a clumsy touch which led to him getting booked. Put in a comfortable display from then on and had a part in the second goal.

    Jack Grealish (8/10):

    One of his best games ever for England, finding a new lease of life as the No. 10. Appeared all over the pitch and took his goal superbly.

  • Attack

    Bukayo Saka (7/10):

    Always a handful for Ireland on the right wing and released Rice for the second goal.

    Harry Kane (4/10):

    Missed a good early headed chance and two other opportunities and was absent from the team's best moves.

    Anthony Gordon (6/10):

    His electric pace caused real damage and led to the first goal even though he could have scored it himself. His final touch let him down but couldn't fault his attitude.

  • Subs & Manager

    Morgan Gibbs-White (6/10):

    Comfortable when he got on the ball on his England debut.

    Angel Gomes (5/10):

    Also made his debut but had too little time to show what he can do.

    Eberechi Eze (5/10):

    Had a hopeful effort which missed the target and also missed from a follow-up in stoppage time.

    John Stones (N/A):

    Tidy on the ball under pressure.

    Jarrod Bowen (N/A):

    Looked threatening in his few minutes on the pitch.

    Lee Carsley (7/10):

    A fine audition for getting the job permanently as his side played with courage and were exciting to watch.