England Player Ratings: Ben White and Cole Palmer take different routes in World Cup fight

England Player Ratings: Ben White and Cole Palmer take different routes in World Cup fightIn our weekly series, the Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings after some interesting FA Cup showcases didn't quite go to plan for a couple of Three Lions starsSportopinionJohn Cross Chief Football Writer12:10, 06 Apr 2026Updated 12:10, 06 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesAfter returning to the England fold, Ben White had a torrid evening against SouthamptonBen White must be wondering whether it was all worth it.The Arsenal defender played happily for three-and-a-half years without opposing fans giving a hoot let alone a jeer. But White put himself back in the spotlight for England. Was hero and villain against Uruguay. Poor against Japan.Yet all the talk and the Wembley crowd put booing back on the agenda - and, sure enough, he got booed at Southampton. For no good reason, really. That just compounded a bad day for him and Myles Lewis-Skelly. They were poor and Noni Madueke failed to make an impression.Cole Palmer was given the armband by Chelsea which felt quite pointed after Enzo Fernandez was left in disgrace, Marc Cucurella was also on the naughty step and even Moises Caicedo was on the bench.It is hard to judge against Port Vale but Palmer did well and maybe he has some upward momentum and positivity as he battles with Phil Foden for a place in a crowded squad.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageREAD MORE: World Cup 2026: How Granit Xhaka will make or break Switzerland's tournament hopesREAD MORE: World Cup 2026: Argentina – the 'nasty' holders who have a 'new role' for Lionel MessiThe Manchester City duo of Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly look in great form and are doing themselves a power of good. If only it was the same for Foden.Guehi has been one of the signings of the season - a deal up to £30m - and a transformative influence on City’s defence. He w...