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England’s World Cup team arrived in Manchester on Wednesday with their tails tucked firmly between their legs following their early World Cup elimination.
Consecutive 2-1 defeats to Italy and Uruguay put paid to England’s hopes of an unlikely World Cup victory, and when they rounded out their dismal campaign with a whimper in the form of a goalless draw against Costa Rica on Tuesday, the players knew their time in Brazil was up.
The squad, who flew out to South America with little expectation yet still managed to disappoint, have the unwanted tag of being the first England side to finish bottom of their group in World Cup history, although they did manage to avoid becoming the first side to fail to score a single point thanks to the 0-0 draw on Tuesday.
But how did Roy Hodgson's squad rate overall?
England man for man markingShow all 23 1 /23England man for man marking England man for man marking Joe Hart No chance with any of the goals conceded and no clangers. Yet did not look assured at the start of the Italy game. Strangely hyper pre-match. 5.5/10
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England man for man marking Glen Johnson Never looked comfortable. Offered very little going forward. One of group of players whose best moments during the Premier League season seemed beyond them. 3
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England man for man marking Leighton Baines Looked vulnerable, especially against Italy when he was not offered much cover by Rooney. Stopped from getting forward as much as he does for Everton. 3
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England man for man marking Steven Gerrard Never hid but looked overrun at times in midfield. Unable to prevent Andrea Pirlo dominating the Italy game. Struggled to influence games as he can. 5
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England man for man marking Gary Cahill England’s best defender, but that is not saying much. Will be haunted by losing Mario Balotelli for Italy’s winner. Otherwise (and it’s a big “otherwise”) solid. 6
England man for man marking Phil Jagielka Good clearing header off the line against Italy. The flip side was losing Luis Suarez for the first of his two goals. Looked vulnerable. 5
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England man for man marking Jack Wilshere Best moments came in the first half of his only start, against Costa Rica. Still coming back from injury and does not look fully fit. 5.5
England man for man marking Frank Lampard Difficult one. Only played against Costa Rica and was steady. Not called upon otherwise. Brought along to bring experience to group. 5.5
England man for man marking Daniel Sturridge Scored against Italy and got himself in positions to score in two other games. But missed too many chances, especially against Costa Rica. 6
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England man for man marking Wayne Rooney Two starts, two different positions. Tried hard, and scored against Uruguay (below). Relative to what is expected of him though, disappointing. 6
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England man for man marking Danny Welbeck Hard worker against Italy, his best performance. Disappeared against Uruguay. In danger of being overtaken by younger players. 5.5
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England man for man marking Chris Smalling Strong and athletic but just not comfortable enough on the ball in his one start against Costa Rica. Much to prove at international level. 4.5
England man for man marking Ben Foster No chance with any of the goals conceded and no clangers. Yet did not look assured at the start of the Italy game. Strangely hyper pre-match. 5.5/10
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England man for man marking Jordan Henderson Often overrun alongside Gerrard. There is potential there at international level but he seemed unable to exert a grip on his two games. 5.5
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England man for man marking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Did not play. N/A
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England man for man marking Phil Jones Almost three years since his full debut at right-back against Montenegro, it felt like he had regressed against Costa Rica. Nervous and untidy in possession. 3
England man for man marking James Milner He drifted through his one game against Costa Rica. Did not have the same effect on games he managed for his club at times last season. 5
England man for man marking Rickie Lambert Difficult to judge. Given only three minutes at the end of the game against Uruguay. A frustrating tournament for him, especially not featuring against Costa Rica. 4.5
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England man for man marking Raheem Sterling The English performance of the tournament against Italy (pictured). Struggled to do the same when moved to the wing against Uruguay and as a sub against Costa Rica. Nevertheless, one of the few successes. 6.5
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England man for man marking Adam Lallana Two substitute performances, and a start against Costa Rica, but none of the sparkling moments that have made him stand out for his club. 5.5
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England man for man marking Ross Barkley Some moments of staggering naïvety but, relatively speaking, a good tournament for a 20-year-old rookie. Needs time to mature, but potential is there. 6
England man for man marking Fraser Forster Did not play N/A
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England man for man marking Luke Shaw Impressive against Costa Rica, his one game of the tournament. Great potential but requires patience. Will make mistakes along the way. 6
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Who do you think was England's player of the tournament? Let us know in the comments below.
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