How new boys rated England
Steven
Caulker
The 20-year-old was caught out for Ibrahimovic’s opening goal, despite a decent block, and looked cagey in the opening stages. However he redeemed himself by cleverly adjusting his run to score England’s first. The Tottenham defender struggled to keep the brilliant Ibrahimovic marked but became more assured alongside Gary Cahill as the match progressed.
Leon
Osman
Tested Andreas Isaksson early on with a long drive but failed to impose himself in a quiet first half. The midfielder later on managed to transfer his Everton form to the international stage by getting into useful positions and troubling the Sweden defence. Almost tapped in a Leighton Baines cross and forced Isaksson into a near post save after a clever turn past his marker.
Raheem
Sterling
Having impressed for Liverpool so far this season, the winger was tightly marked all night but was still able to provide decent distribution and proved eager for time on the ball. His stunning through-ball enabled Ashley Young to set up the first England goal. The 17-year-old was lively, creating several promising openings near Sweden’s penalty area, which justified his call up.
Carl
Jenkinson
The Arsenal right-back had little time to impress on debut. Two years ago the 20-year-old was playing for Conference side Eastbourne Borough and completed his meteoric rise up to international football with a trouble free 20 minute cameo. He made a couple of no-nonsense clearances but could not help prevent England falling further behind.
Ryan
Shawcross
He only had 20 minutes to impress but was slightly at fault for Sweden’s second, not tracking the movement of Ibrahimovic and allowing the in-form striker time to pick out his volley. The Stoke centre-back was unfortunate when Hart’s error created the chance for Ibrahimovic to score his stunning fourth goal and had little time to make amends.
Wilfried
Zaha
The much talked about Crystal Palace forward came on just as England went 3-2 down but still had 10 minutes to display a few of his tricks. Illustrated he has the confidence and skill to thrive in international football, taking on a couple of opponents to cross in stoppage time, but his cut back wasn’t found by a colleague. Looked keen and pressed the opposition well.