Graphic: Bill Edgar's tactical analysis

Scott Carson - 3

Possibly the worst competitive debut in the 135-year history of the England team as he made Paul Robinson look dependable. Woeful positional sense gifted Niko Kranjcar the opening goal and was slow off his line when Ivica Olic scored the second. Did not improve much other than an excellent second-half save from Olic, although the buck stops with Steve McClaren for picking him.

Micah Richards - 5

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BACKGROUND

• McClaren sacked as England coach

• Dismissal is no compensation for England fans

• Jitters destroy England’s composure

• Turnip or terrific? Fans give answer to McClaren

BACKGROUND

• How England rated

• If O’Neill says no, will the FA call Klinsmann?

• Terry defends man in charge

• Why England will be sorely missed in finals

BACKGROUND

• Let’s not just blame the team, blame the Americans too

• Good riddance to fear factors

• Echoes of Bogota as Croatia official is accused of shoplifting

• Seven deadly sins

BACKGROUND

• McClaren: the buck stops with me

• Analysis: Gabriele Marcotti

• 'Not even prepared to get his hair wet!' - the fans' verdict

• Barwick: McClaren had to go

BACKGROUND

• England's qualifying horrors

Multimedia

• England fans: let off steam here

• How the drama unfolded

• Is McClaren a scapegoat?

Multimedia

• What you should do next summer

His buccaneering runs down the right have made him appear an accident waiting to happen for some time and so it proved, because when Olic scored the second goal, the Manchester City defender was marooned in the other half. Continues to thrill going forward, however, and played the through-ball from which David Beckham crossed for Peter Crouch’s equaliser.

Sol Campbell - 4

This may be remembered as the night when time finally caught up with the Portsmouth defender, whose creaking body seemed to slow to walking pace as England were overrun in the opening quarter. Guilty of backing away from Eduardo da Silva for Croatia’s second goal, his misery was summed up when he gave the ball away and fell on his backside moments later.

Joleon Lescot - 3

Has not looked anything like an international defender on any of his four appearances and is unlikely to be for much longer. The nervousness that debilitated him on his debut against Estonia last month has not gone away, as was shown when he gave away the ball in the first minute and was beaten in the air in the build-up to Croatia’s second goal.

Wayne Bridge - 4

His excellent crossing ability makes him the equal of Ashley Cole going forward, but he lacks the same defensive resilience and his Chelsea team-mate’s reputation soared in his absence. Was guilty of playing Olic onside for the second goal and struggled to contain him all night, almost scoring an own goal in the second half with a desperate clearance.

Gareth Barry - 4

Those commanding performances against Israel and Russia in September must be seen as anomalies rather than indicators of a glittering international career to come, because the Aston Villa captain comes up short against the best. After being overrun in Moscow, again appeared out of his depth, giving the ball away frequently and offering little protection to the back four.

Shaun Wright-Phillips - 4

Ostensibly selected for his ability to cover the runs of the marauding Richards, though failed to do so when it mattered the most. Dutifully followed Olic’s run down the left wing in the eleventh minute but stopped with his hand raised on the edge of the penalty area in an attempt to play offside, enabling the SV Hamburg striker to round Carson and score the second. Rightly removed at half-time.

Steven Gerrard - 4

The Liverpool captain has rescued lost causes before, but did not have a great deal of involvement in trying to fashion a repeat last night. Even his proud shoulders slumped after Croatia’s second goal and as his passes went astray, his desperation was shown by a dive on the edge of the visiting team’s area towards the end of the first half, for which he was penalised.

Frank Lampard - 5

The midfield player is loved and loathed in equal measure, so is the perfect symbol of this crazy night. The game appeared to be passing him by but he is always likely to score and converted from the spot to bring England back into the game. The buffoons who have booed him all season, yet stood to cheer as the penalty was dispatched, deserve to choke on their beer.

Joe Cole - 6

Began brightly with a diving header that was England’s only effort on goal of a dismal first half and battled away when other heads slumped after Croatia’s early double strike. Received his reward when his cross brought a penalty as Jermain Defoe fell under the challenge of Josip Simunic and deserves to go more than most after not playing a minute at the last European Championship.

Peter Crouch - 6

One of the few England players to emerge from a gut-wrenching evening with his reputation enhanced after his well-taken equaliser. Worked tirelessly throughout to considerable effect, winning the ball in the air, holding it up and bringing his team-mates into play. Does not deserve derision after finally proving he can score against a leading nation.

Substitutes

David Beckham (for Wright-Phillips, 46min) Showed enduring class by crossing for Crouch’s equaliser 6; Jermain Defoe (for Barry, 46) Won the penalty converted calmly by Lampard 5; Darren Bent (for Cole, 80)

Not used

David James, Ashley Cole, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves

Croatia

Stipe Pletikosa The best goalkeeper on display, not that it’s saying much 6

Vedran Corluka Given a difficult evening by Cole but came through 6

Dario Simic Relished the battle against Crouch 5

Robert Kovac Used experience to good effect 6

Josip Simunic Could play for England given clumsiness conceding penalty 5

Darijo Srna Gave Bridge a torrid time he will do well to forget 7

Luka Modric The price will go up to those who covet him in England 7

Niko Kovac Dictated play in a manner beyond Gerrard and Lampard 6

Niko Kranjcar Could scarcely believe his speculative strike had gone in 7

Ivica Olic Has pace, intelligence and can finish, the best player on the pitch 8

Eduardo da Silva Deserves more playing time than he’s getting at Arsenal 7

Substitutes

Mladen Petric (for Eduardo, 69) Broke England’s hearts with late winner 7; Danijel Pranjic (for Kranjcar, 75); Ivan Ratikic (for Olic, 84)

Not used

Vedran Runje, Marko Babic, Dario Knezevic, Jerko Leko

Booked

R Kovac, Eduardo

Referee Peter Fröjdfeldt (Sweden)