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England player ratings: Paul Walsh offers his verdict after Lithuania victory

 Adam Lallana
Image: Adam Lallana was a constant threat for England during their 2-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley

England remained on course for World Cup qualification after goals from Jermain Defoe and Jamie Vardy handed Gareth Southgate's side a 2-0 victory over Lithuania in Group F.

Defoe, back in the side for the first time since November 2013, made a goalscoring return to the international stage after just 22 minutes, but it took until midway through the second half for the hosts to double their lead when substitute Jamie Vardy sealed a comfortable victory.

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The win keeps England top of Group F and means Southgate's men are still yet to concede a goal in qualifying.

But what did former England international Paul Walsh make of the performances? He gave each player a rating out of 10...

Jamie Vardy scores England's second against Lithuania
Image: Jamie Vardy scores England's second against Lithuania

Joe Hart - 7

He didn't have much to do. He made one save, maybe two but they were saves he was expected to make. He handled the ball well and on the whole was good with the ball at his feet. If I'm saying a good, solid performance is a seven, he was a seven.

Kyle Walker - 8

The Tottenham full-back got forward at every opportunity and was always involved in the game. He pushed forward and put in a couple of excellent crosses from the right.

John Stones - 7

England defender John Stones challenges Lithuania's Nerijus Valskis
Image: England defender John Stones challenges Lithuania's Nerijus Valskis

He didn't have too much to do with England having most of the ball. It was a solid, if not spectacular performance from the Man City defender.

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Michael Keane - 7

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Michael Keane of England gestures to his team mates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Lithuania at W
Image: Michael Keane impressed for England

Keane was also solid next to Stones. He's got the support of the manager and that's all important. Southgate's brought him in and he's done well in both games. Southgate seems to like him and if you've got a manager that likes you, you could well be playing in every game. He's in possession of the shirt at the moment and could keep it when the squad meets up again.

Ryan Bertrand - 8

It was a solid performance from the Southampton man. He wasn't tested too much in defence but was a good option going forward down the left.

Eric Dier - 7

He's never going to be doing anything too extravagant against a side like Lithuania. In terms of using the ball after picking it up from the back four and protecting that back four, he did the job. He didn't have too much to do and that's not his fault, but what he did he did well.

England's midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (R) runs away from Lithuania's midfielder Vykintas Slivka during the World Cup 2018 qualification football mat
Image: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started against Lithuania in a 4-1-4-1 formation

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 7

It was the same for Oxlade-Chamberlain. He was busy and was always keen to get on the ball but it was difficult to break Lithuania down. There are other options in the middle but I think he didn't do himself any harm with that performance.

Adam Lallana - 9

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26:  Adam Lallana of England takes on Egidijus Vaitkunas of Lithuania during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and
Image: Lallana was Paul Walsh's outstanding player

The Liverpool forward was my standout performer. He was always on the ball and was looking to be busy. He was involved in everything for the hosts, working the ball well in intricate areas.

Dele Alli - 8

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26:  Dele Ali of England holds off Arturas Zulpa of Lithuania during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Lithuani
Image: Dele Ali holds off Arturas Zulpa

He linked up well with Lallana in congested areas of the pitch. His footwork had to be excellent and I thought he played ever so well in what were difficult areas of the pitch.

Raheem Sterling - 7

Sterling played a huge part in the goal that got us going but it's only a seven for the England man. He put in a solid performance without being spectacular.

Jermain Defoe - 8

The Defoe story is a great one. He's having a great season for Sunderland, who are not having such a great campaign, and he's scoring the goals that are giving them the remotest of chances to stay up. He then gets rewarded with his inclusion in the England quad and he comes in at 34 and scores on his return to the national side. He didn't have many touches of the ball but that's sometimes what you get with Defoe. All he needs is a chance and he took it.

Jermaine Defoe scores his first international goal in four years against Lithuania at Wembley
Image: Jermaine Defoe scores his first international goal in four years against Lithuania at Wembley

Substitutes

Jamie Vardy - 7

Jamie Vardy celebrates with his team-mates after scoring against Lithuania
Image: Jamie Vardy celebrates with his team-mates after scoring against Lithuania

Vardy came on and made an immediate impact. He got in behind, latching onto Lallana's delicate flick and was cool in front of goal finishing off the move.

Marcus Rashford - 6

There was a bit more space when Rashford came on and he injected plenty of pace into the game from the bench. He played one excellent pass through for Vardy, who scooped the ball over the crossbar.

International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

Watch highlights of England v Lithuania in World Cup Qualifying on Sky Sports 1 HD at 10pm on Sunday.

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