England player ratings

Campbell and Cole sometimes struggled in defence

BBC Sport Online rates England's players after the 0-0 draw against Nigeria.

Do you agree with our verdict?

David Seaman
A reassuring presence when England conceded the initiative. Caught or blocked everything and settled a nervous back line.

Danny Mills
Promising attacking and tighter with his defensive work. Sometimes slow to close down crosses, but made two good clearing headers.

Rio Ferdinand
Impressive. England's defensive rock covered for Campbell on several occasions. His ability to read the game and stay cool under pressure was again vital.

Alan Hansen's view: 'Rio is world class'

Sol Campbell
Commanding at club level, but still far from it for England. Less than confident with his passing as well - would be more exposed but for the towering Ferdinand.

Ashley Cole
Struggled against Okocha. More comfortable going forward, especially after the break, with one cross-shot rolling along the crossbar. Relieved to escape without another booking.

David Beckham
Initially looked to create havoc down the right but later moved inside as he, and England, continued to struggle. Gradually found his passing range - and getting closer with his trademark free-kicks.

Nicky Butt
Solid once more as the midfield anchor, though Nigeria did find plenty of space in between England's two lines of four. Fewer quick passes to release the front players, but willing to shoot from long range.

Paul Scholes
Saw another superb strike kept out, and generally bright in the middle of the park, where he looks so much more comfortable. Keen to join the strikers where possible.

Trevor Sinclair
Solid rather than spectacular, but always energetic tracking back and pushing forward. Drifted inside and even across to the right looking to spark attacks, but still reluctant to cross with his left foot.

Michael Owen
Direct as always, and battled well to give England their main outlet. One characteristic first-half burst and shot lifted the side, but he shouldn't be expected to do everything on his own.

Emile Heskey
At his infuriating worst. Got on the end of one Mills cross - and that was it. Didn't hold the ball up enough, and rightly replaced by Teddy Sheringham.

Our man in Osaka: Inconsistent England

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Substitutes:

Teddy Sheringham
(Replaced Heskey, 68 mins)
Nice touches when he came on, but wasted the best second-half chance, sending a left-foot volley well over.

Darius Vassell
(Replaced Owen, 76 mins)
Forced down the right of midfield by Eriksson's tactical switch, and did his best. But the negative substitutions didn't give him the chance to shine.

Wayne Bridge
(Replaced Cole, 84 mins)
Slotted in for the last few minutes, but was never going to change the game.