Bellingham tops England ratings as BBC Sport assesses World Cup campaign
Jude Bellingham’s record-breaking seven goals earned him the highest rating, while Harry Kane and Marc Guehi also stood out in a campaign that ended with a 6-4 victory over France.
BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell has published a comprehensive assessment of England’s players following their 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off of the 2026 World Cup. The result secured third place for the national team, their highest finish since 1966, following a semi-final defeat to Argentina. The ratings provide a detailed breakdown of individual contributions throughout the tournament in North America.
Jude Bellingham emerged as the standout performer, receiving the highest rating of 9. The midfielder scored seven goals during the campaign, including the decisive strike in the 90th-plus-eight minute of the bronze-medal match against France. This achievement set a new record for the most goals scored by an Englishman at a single World Cup, cementing his status as the tournament’s talisman.
Harry Kane was rated 8.5, having scored six goals prior to the quarter-finals. The England captain also provided an assist in the victory over Mexico, though his influence waned in the later stages of the tournament as fatigue and the physical toll of extra-time matches against Norway and Argentina became apparent.
Other notable ratings included Marc Guehi, Djed Spence, and Anthony Gordon, all of whom received an 8. Guehi was praised for his calmness and quality in the backline, particularly during the quarter-final against Norway. Spence was highlighted as a breakout player for his versatility and defensive solidity, while Gordon was commended for his growing impact, including an assist for the equaliser against Norway and the opener against Argentina.
Bukayo Saka received a 7.5, with the assessment noting that while he showed quality in flashes, he was unable to maintain his top level consistently due to an Achilles issue sustained prior to the tournament. However, he did score a hat-trick in the third-place play-off against France.
Defensive and midfield performances were mixed. Jordan Pickford was rated 6, with the report citing erratic moments despite his strong showing in the semi-final. Declan Rice received a 7.5, with the captain noted for his physical imposition despite battling fitness issues, while Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn were rated 6.5 for their respective contributions in midfield and defence.
The tournament concluded with England facing France in Miami, where they led 4-0 before a late French rally was halted by Bellingham’s late goal. The victory marked Didier Deschamps’ final game as France manager, while England’s campaign ended on a high note, validating the squad’s depth and resilience under manager Thomas Tuchel.
