Player Ratings: Croatia 1 - 4 England

Fabio Capello's England passed their first real test with flying colors, handing Croatia their first competitive loss at the Maksimir Stadium.

Here are Row ZZ's player ratings:

David James - 5
Equal to an early Pranjic effort but dropped a corner during a period of Croatian pressure. Never looked entirely comfortable despite England's dominance.

Wes Brown - 7
With Walcott stretching Croatia's left flank, Brown focused on defensive duties and performed solidly. A safe bet against England's more dangerous opponents.

John Terry - 6
Created a couple of hairy moments with some sloppy touches in the first half. Always committed and should have won a free kick in the build-up to Croatia's goal.

Rio Ferdinand - 7
Assured defending throughout and contributed to second-half England pressure by venturing forward and trapping Croatia in their own territory.

Ashley Cole - 6
Busy night for the Arsenal defender, up against the dynamic Darijo Srna. Attacked with purpose and his harrying helped create England's third goal.

Theo Walcott - 9
Out with the old (sorry David). In with the new. Walcott's pace gives England an extra dimension and his cool finishing belies his inexperience at the highest level.

Gareth Barry - 7
Very quiet, but that's not a bad thing. Kept England ticking along and prevented Luka Modric from having a huge influence on the game.

Frank Lampard - 7
Took his chance in an England side "sans Gerrard," enjoying his best international performance for some time. His disallowed goal would have been the best of the lot.

Joe Cole - 6
Failed to make an impression on the game before being clobbered by Robert Kovac. Occasionally left Ashley Cole exposed after losing possession.

Wayne Rooney - 9
Walcott will take the headlines but Rooney was England's creative force - showed wonderful control and delivered a perfect pass for Walcott's third. Still drops too deep at times.

Emile Heskey - 8
England's battering ram. The only forward available to Capello who relishes playing with his back to goal. Unlucky not to win a first-half penalty.

Subs

Jermaine Jenas (on for Joe Cole, 55) - 7
More effective on England's left than the wounded Cole. Kept the ball in play to set up Rooney's goal.

David Beckham (on for Theo Walcott, 84)
Not enough time to make a significant impression. Sideline encouragement suggests he could have a mentoring role in Walcott's development.

Matthew Upson (on for John Terry, 88)
Enjoyed a five minute run-out with the game winding down.

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