Daily Mirror player ratings: England 4-0 Bulgaria
Published 22:51 03/09/10 By John Cross
Joe Hart - 8
His best moment came courtesy of his own player as he made a terrific stop from Johnson’s poor clearance and then denied Rangelov brilliantly.
Glen Johnson - 6
Should be buying Hart a large drink after the goalkeeper spared his blushes. Went to sleep a couple of times but still had a decent night.
Phil Jagielka - 8
Outstanding. Made a superb last-ditch challenge on Bojinov, read the game brilliantly on a night when he proved his credentials at this level.
Michael Dawson - 7
Suffered bad-looking knee injury. He had made one terrific interception and looked promising but one bad slip did let in Popov.
Ashley Cole - 7
Linked up superbly with Milner down the left. Played his part in England’s opener, having gone close himself. It’s now 83 caps and no goals.
Theo Walcott - 7
Showed good pace, made a couple of good crosses and was a threat when he was on the ball. The Bulgarian defence looked scared of him.
Steven Gerrard - 7
Wore the armband with pride. You could see his determination as he rampaged through midfield, broke forward and always tracked back.
Gareth Barry - 7
Nice and steady in the holding midfield role. He complimented Gerrard well and also gave the team good balance. A fine performance.
James Milner - 8
Really impressive. Combined down the left to great effect with Cole and drove England forward. Provided stability and looked the real deal.
Wayne Rooney - 7
Brilliant vision and pass to set up move for England’s opener. But was all over the place at times, almost trying too hard. More his old self though.
Jermaine Defoe - 9
Terrific finishing for his hat-trick with his early strike easing the nerves but came off injured. Has become a great England predator.
Subs:
Gary Cahill (for Dawson, 55 mins) Immediate impact with a block. 6
Adam Johnson (Walcott, 74) Some cameo as he scored the third. 6
Ashley Young (Defoe, 86). No time to make mark. 5
