England's World Cup ratings report

Top of the class: Rio Ferdinand was "outstanding"

By Phil McNulty BBC Sport Online's man with England

Our man, who followed every step of England's World Cup campaign, assesses the performances of all the players who played an active part in Japan.

Match-by-match ratings

Do you agree with the ratings?

David Seaman Player profile

It was a very mixed tournament for the Arsenal veteran.

He will now sadly be best remembered for his costly error that condemned England to defeat against Brazil in the World Cup quarter-final.

England's World Cup campaign started with a Seaman mistake against Germany and ended with another against Brazil.

He should announce his international retirement now to avoid having it announced for him.

Danny Mills Player profile

The player labelled a liability before the World Cup kept his temper in check and had a solid tournament.

He made one mistake against Sweden that cost a goal, but otherwise did not let England down.

Ashley Cole Player profile

By his own admission he was not at his best, but played his part in a defence that was, in general, solid.

He will have benefited greatly from experiencing the biggest stage of all.

Rio Ferdinand Player profile

He has arrived as a world-class performer. One of the best defenders in the tournament, who was consistently outstanding.

How good will he be in four years' time? And where will he be next season?

Sol Campbell Player profile

Reliable without being spectacular. Campbell scored against Sweden and was an important component of England's defence.

David Beckham Player profile

Beckham was subdued throughout the World Cup, clearly not fully match fit after his long absence with a broken foot.

The England captain made his contribution from set-pieces - and of course the winning penalty against Argentina - but was not at his best.

Nicky Butt Player profile

Butt came in against Argentina and was magnificent. Reliable throughout - and must be viewed in a different, more positive, light after this World Cup.

Paul Scholes Player profile

Scholes was another of England's successes, although he played an unfortunate part in Brazil's equaliser in Shizuoka.

It was a pity for England that his goal touch continues to desert him in internationals.

Trevor Sinclair Player profile

Sinclair got an unexpected chance to shine in the World Cup as injuries hit England, and was a reliable if unspectacular presence.

Kieron Dyer Player profile

Unlucky to pick up an injury on the eve of the World Cup and only figured as a substitute.

Showed flashes of brilliance against Denmark and this confident youngster may yet achieve greatness.

Owen Hargreaves Player profile

The Bayern Munich midfielder saw his hopes of making an impact on the World Cup wrecked by an injury against Argentina. He is, however, definitely one for the future.

Michael Owen Player profile

Suffered from a desperate lack of service and hindered by a groin injury he sustained against Denmark.

He proved again that given the chances he will score the goals. World class.

Emile Heskey Player profile

Remains an enigma at England level. Heskey has all the assets but still appears to lack self-confidence.

He scored against Denmark and had an excellent first half against Brazil.

Darius Vassell Player profile

Vassell played well against Sweden and was unlucky to be dropped against Argentina.

He is another who will benefit from an unlikely chance to figure for England in the World Cup finals.

Teddy Sheringham Player profile

Playing in his last World Cup, Sheringham still showed flashes of quality in his appearances as substitute, especially against Argentina.

He has been influential and remains a highly intelligent player, but is likely to have played his last game for England.

Robbie Fowler Player profile

Fowler found himself well down the list of Sven-Goran Eriksson's strikers. He made an appearance as substitute, but the World Cup was virtually a non-event for this most naturally gifted of strikers.

Wayne Bridge Player profile

Never threatened the starting line-up, but got a couple of run-outs from the bench. Will be better for playing in the World Cup and is another one for the future.

Joe Cole Player profile

Briefest of glimpses as a substitute. Cole will have to wait his turn in Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006 to show his true worth.

Do you agree with the ratings?

Match-by-match ratings:

England 1-2 Brazil

Denmark 0-3 England

Nigeria 0-0 England

Argentina 0-1 England

England 1-1 Sweden

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