England player ratings against Romania
Ashton marks improved display but Palmer could lose out at lock
Ben Foden 7/10
A rocking-cradle celebration for his try, to mark the pregnancy of his girlfriend, Una. Still finding his way in this tournament.
Chris Ashton 8/10
Sprints from a standing start were sharper than previous matches and England looked liveliest when he was on the ball. Must keep holding defensive line.
Manu Tuilagi 6/10
Unnecessary late hit on the scrum-half Valentin Calafeteanu. Otherwise Tuilagi ran better than he passed – which is a skill that needs work.
Mike Tindall 6/10
Scolded himself for a rotten pass to Tuilagi. No sign of making a line break, but did not need to.
Mark Cueto 7/10
Made 28 consecutive England appearances before missing first two World Cup matches injured. Quickfire hat-trick brought a big smile, though they were simple run-ins.
Jonny Wilkinson 7/10
Was over-finicky, fussing over the ball for goal-kicks, and missed two out of six. Ducked out at half-time with the win assured, having hardly raised a sweat.
Ben Youngs 7/10
In common with Ashton and Cueto, still playing his way in to the World Cup after an interrupted build-up. Couple of quick taps set up tries.
Alex Corbisiero 6/10
Looked in a little pain when substituted but the manager, Martin Johnson, reported no injuries. That was good news, given the loss of the top loosehead, Andrew Sheridan.
Steve Thompson 6/10
Few scrums and not much chance to run, so not the sort of match to raise the arch-competitor's adrenaline.
Dan Cole 7/10
Made a welcome impression with a couple of early runs round the fringes, although a tougher scrummaging match might tie him up.
Louis Deacon 6/10
Another who must have left the field with plenty left to give.
Tom Palmer 6/10
Tidy in the tight but threw a soft pass direct to the Romanian fly-half standing next to him, and is likely to step down now Courtney Lawes is available again after suspension.
Tom Croft 8/10
Ran in a try in the wide channel he loves and soared above the flapping Romanians at the line-out.
James Haskell 7/10
May have done enough to keep Nick Easter out, even if the Harlequins No 8 declares himself fit, after a back injury, this week.
Lewis Moody 7/10
Looked a bit more sprightly with a couple of swoops on stray possession but in his chases and close-quarter work he may still be carrying his bandaged knee.
Replacements
Lee Mears 7/10
Straight into his first World Cup outing with try-saving tackle on a loosehead prop.
David Wilson 6/10
Chance for some donkey work, in order to show readiness in case of any more injuries to props.
Simon Shaw 6/10
A good canter, but Deacon looks to be ahead in the locking stakes.
Tom Wood 7/10
Live option to start against the Scots if England reshuffle the back row.
Richard Wigglesworth 6/10
Solid as Youngs' back-up.
Toby Flood 7/10
Struck his kicks well after an initial miss from wide out. Just behind Wilkinson on form.
Delon Armitage 6/10
Vying with Cueto for the left-wing spot.
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