How England players rated against Slovenia at Wembley

England teamImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

England are six points clear of second-placed Scotland in Group F with one World Cup qualifying match left

Harry Kane scored an injury-time winner as England beat Slovenia 1-0 to qualify for the 2018 World Cup with a game to spare.

However, Gareth Southgate's side produced a largely uninspiring performance in their penultimate Group F encounter to reach the tournament in Russia.

So how did the players rate? Here's BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty's verdict from Wembley...

Joe Hart (goalkeeper) 7

Hart had one or two anxious moments but England were indebted to him for some brave and decisive interventions. He repaid Gareth Southgate's faith.

Kyle Walker (right-back) 5

A mixed performance with some carelessness, but he made amends with the cross for Harry Kane's winning goal.

Gary Cahill (centre-back) 6

The Chelsea defender was solid enough and did not do much wrong.

John Stones (centre-back) 6

He had some moments when he was loose in possession and picked up a booking, but was largely untroubled.

Ryan Bertrand (left-back) 5

This was not the best night for a player who has excelled for England recently and he wasted too many decent opportunities.

Media caption,

Top reasons why England fans should be cheerful

Eric Dier (central midfield) 5

The Spurs man was busy but there was no creativity - will he cut it against the international elite if he cannot dominate against Slovenia?

Jordan Henderson (central midfield) 5

A scrappy, poor performance from the Liverpool captain, who was roughed up by his Slovenian opponents. England's current central midfield is uninspired.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (attacking midfield) 4

Another desperately poor night for the midfielder, who must surely be running out of chances now.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was replaced by Jesse Lingard in the 64th minute

Raheem Sterling (attacking midfield) 5

The Manchester City winger started brightly but his final ball was poor.

Marcus Rashford (attacking midfield) 7

The 19-year-old worked hard and showed a real threat. His end product was mixed but there is such promise.

Harry Kane (forward) 8

Tottenham striker Kane is England's leader and surely their World Cup captain - persistent and the match-winner even when not at his brilliant best. He is priceless to Southgate and England.

Substitutes

Jesse Lingard (for Oxlade-Chamberlain 63 minutes): Made little impact - 5.

Michael Keane (for Sterling 83 minutes): No rating.

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Image source, BBC Sport
Image caption,

England top Group F by six points from second-placed Scotland with one match left

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