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Alan Smith's England U21 player ratings after their win over Poland

England's midfielder Demaray Grey (C) celebrate scoring the opening goal w
Image: England are through to the semi-finals of the European U21 Championship

How did England's players fare in the final group game of the European Under-21 Championship against Poland?

The Young Lions recorded a 3-0 victory to top Group A and progress to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2009.

Here is Alan Smith's verdict on each member of Aidy Boothroyd's side...

Jordan Pickford - 7

He had very little to do, he was a bit of a bystander even though his kicking was poor at times. But you can't be too harsh, he got a clean sheet.

Mason Holgate - 6

Once or twice he gave the ball away and it wasn't his best game in an England shirt. Of all the performances he may have fallen a little short.

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Alfie Mawson - 8

He was vying for Man of the Match. He's a proper leader and more responsible than most for the clean sheet. He's always a threat too in the opposition box too.

Poland's forward Krzesztof Piatek (R) and England's defender Alfie Mason vie for the ball
Image: Alfie Mawson rises to head the ball

Calum Chambers - 7

He has had a very good tournament so far. He's dominant in the air and has clearly profited from his year at Middlesbrough.

Ben Chilwell - 9

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Man of the match. He had a sensational first half and Poland couldn't live with him, creating Demarai Gray's goal. He kept on slaloming up that left wing and was strong in possession.

Nathaniel Chalobah - 7

Hopefully his injury isn't too bad. Defensively sometimes I think he switches off but he didn't tonight.

Poland's midfielder Dawid Kownacki (R) and England's midfielder Nathaniel Chalobach
Image: Nathaniel Chalobah trying to win the ball back

James Ward-Prowse - 7

He was a steady influence in midfield and delivered some beautiful free-kicks that England should have made more of.

Lewis Baker - 6

One of the players we didn't see much of. He put away the penalty and got his goal, but I think there's more to see from him.

John Swift - 7

Thought he did well and played better than he did against Slovakia. He carried the ball forward and released it well.

Poland's midfielder Karol Linetty (L) and England's midfielder John Swift (R) vie for the ball
Image: Poland's midfielder Karol Linetty (left) and England's midfielder John Swift (right) vie for the ball

Nathan Redmond - 6

He didn't really catch alight in the first half and was brought off at the break. Aidy Boothroyd is making some big calls that are paying off, so he's not guaranteed to start the next game if he's fit.

Demarai Gray - 8

Excellent. He produced great skill for the goal and set up the third. He showed good composure and experience, they couldn't handle him and he cemented place in the team. Boothroyd would be brave to drop him.

England's Demarai Gray (centre) celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Group A match at the K
Image: Demarai Gray celebrates scoring the opener for England

Subs

Will Hughes - 7

Played it simple and kept things ticking over.

Jacob Murphy - 8

Got himself involved and made a lot of ground for the goal. He always catches the eye even if he's not having the best of games.

England's forward Jacob Murphy (L) celebrate scoring with his teammate midfielder Demarai Gray
Image: England's forward Jacob Murphy (left) celebrates scoring with his teammate midfielder Demarai Gray

Tammy Abraham - 7

He missed his best chance of the tournament with a mistimed header. He's a very good player though and I love to watch him.

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