Seaman leads the ratings

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

David Seaman With safe hands and a heart of oak, England's goalkeeper laid the foundations. The late save against Switzerland, the clawing away of Gordon Durie's header and the penalty turned aside against Spain should end the "Nayim from the halfway line" chants.

Gary Neville Young shoulders, old head. Only the canny Sergi of Spain embarrassed him for more than a moment. Shame he missed the semi-final through suspension.

Tony Adams England's captain only rarely suffered the embarrassments of previous tournaments and grew with each match. His commitment and leadership always outweighed shortcomings.

Gareth Southgate Epitome of the Venables ethos, being comfortable in the centre of a back four, on the right of a defensive three or in midfield. This brave and most personable of men deserves sympathy after that penalty miss.

Stuart Pearce His days as an international may be numbered as his pace recedes, but his spirit and devotion to the cause ensured that England were a prouder team. The penalty against Spain, banishing his personal Turin shroud, brought a fitting redemption.

Darren Anderton After seven-month absence through injury his undoubted quality only really surfaced against Germany. Should be a cornerstone on which England build challenge for 1998 World Cup.

Paul Gascoigne Fitful and maddening, but a moment of Gazza is worth a season of many other players, as the stunning volleyed goal against Scotland confirmed. His boundless enthusiasm for 120 minutes against Germany was touching.

Paul Ince Trojan performance against Germans confirmed him as a marauding midfield player of inspiration, pace and potency, only this time at the highest level.

David Platt Workmanlike foil for Gazza. Won tackles and nervelessly converted penalties, but lacked passing skills, vision and goals. One of few disappointments.

Steve McManaman Nice that there remains a place in the modern game for this kind of player. Still often careless in his work but his running with the ball, particularly against the Dutch, proved his worth. Will play vital part in World Cup qualifying campaign.

Teddy Sheringham Should be able to dine out on that match against Holland for years to come. Perceptive positioning and passing, allied to the two goals that might have been a hat-trick but for his unselfishness, banished the lingering doubts. Thoughtfulness should be a lesson for any young player.

Alan Shearer Probably the outstanding player of the tournament. Five goals tell their own story - there is no question that he is just a Premiership bully now. His work for the team and steely temperament have probably marked him out as the successor to Jurgen Klinsmann as Europe's top striker.

Jamie Redknapp So sad to see him limping out of Wembley on crutches after a spirited second-half appearance as a substitute against Scotland. Will surely be back.

Robbie Fowler Little chance to impress with Shearer in such good form, but may profit from Hoddle's proposed modification of formation.

Nicky Barmby Gained invaluable tournament experience in substitute appearances that should advance his promising career a little.

Steve Stone Gave England renewed running and heart whenever he appeared. Also a generous squad member off the field.

Sol Campbell Played only five minutes against Spain, but a time to treasure with more prolonged appearances that should come.

Did not appear Tim Flowers, Ian Walker, Les Ferdinand, Phil Neville and Steve Howey.