England 3-0 Ivory Coast – player ratings: Raheem Sterling proved decisive

England’s preparations for the World Cup later this year were boosted by a convincing 3-0 friendly win over the Ivory Coast on Tuesday night.

Ollie Watkins fired England ahead on 30 minutes before Raheem Sterling doubled their lead prior to the interval. In between this Ivory Coast captain Serge Aurier was sent off. Tyrone Mings completed the scoreline in second-half stoppage-time. 

Sportsmail’s ADRIAN KAJUMBA was at Wembley to provide his player ratings.

Raheem Sterling was all smiles after captaining England to victory against the Ivory Coast

ENGLAND (4-3-3)

NICK POPE – 6.5

Another England game, and a seventh clean sheet out of eight. Toothless opposition gave him little opportunity to show Southgate what he could do though.

BEN WHITE – 7

Looked comfortable again away from preferred position at right back. Solid defensively though did not get forward much, only occasionally showing his ability on the ball.

HARRY MAGUIRE – 7.5

Jeered early on but soon won over the boo-boys with some confident and solid defending. Were signs of why Southgate’s trust in him remains unbroken. 

England fans jeered Harry Maguire but he soon won them over with his defensive display

TYRONE MINGS – 7.5

Nothing complicated in his defending. Showed his experience with readiness to move across and support Mitchell and popped up with a late goal too.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 7.5

Hugely-encouraging full debut for left-back. Performed just like he has for club, barely letting opposing winger past him. Got forward too, almost setting up Watkins.

JAMES WARD-PROWSE – 7.5

Typically energetic performance from Southampton captain, helping England dominate in midfield and contributing defensively. Displayed his passing range, long and short, and set-pieces dangerous as ever.

DECLAN RICE – 8

Continues to grow in stature and confidence by the game. Faultless display in midfield of reading game to spot and intercept danger. Went close with header.

Declan Rice (right) produced another faultless display in the midfield for the Three Lions

JUDE BELLINGHAM – 8.5

A constant threat given licence to get forward from midfield both with and without ball. Hit the post, went close a second time and second-half burst led to overturned penalty.

RAHEEM STERLING – 8.5

Quiet start for stand-in skipper who suffered an early knock but proved decisive in England’s victory, setting up first goal brilliantly before scoring the second.

OLLIE WATKINS – 7.5

Survived an early, potentially-dangerous tackle to mark his first England start with a goal, showing his instincts to be in right place at right time.

JACK GREALISH – 8

Some nice moments, touches and combinations with Mitchell. Ever-willing to get on ball and get England up the pitch. Set up Sterling goal.

Sterling watches on as his slide-finish doubles England’s advantage at Wembley

SUBSTITUTES

Kyle Walker-Peters – 7 (for White 46)

Luke Shaw – 6 (for Mitchell 62)

Emile Smith Rowe – 6.5 (Grealish 62)

Phil Foden – 6.5 (Sterllng 62)

Harry Kane – 6 (for Watkins 62)

Conor Gallagher – 6 (for Ward-Prowse 80)

Not used: Fraser Forster, Jordan Pickford, Jordan Henderson, Marc Guehi, Conor Coady, Mason Mount.

MANAGER: GARETH SOUTHGATE – 7

Reverted to a back four and England looked better even before Aurier dismissal which stopped this become a bigger test for England. Difficult camp with withdrawals but got chance to run rule over some new faces and two wins.

Gareth Southgate will be pleased to have recorded two wins out of two during this window

IVORY COAST (4-4-2): Sangare 7; Aurier 4, Bailly 7 (Agbadou 46, 6), Deli 6, Kamara 6; Pepe 4 (Boly 46, 6), Kessie 5.5, Seri 5.5 (Akoukou 90), Gradel 5 (Coulibaly 46, 6); Cornet 4.5 (Konan 64, 5.5), Haller 5 (Boli 86).

Booked: Aurier, Seri

Sent off: Aurier

REFEREE: ERIK LAMBRECHTS (BELGIUM) – 5.5

Quickly ran out of patience with visitors, ignoring game’s friendly status. Forced to overturn his penalty decision.

Attendance: 73,405