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.