Player Assessments: The Three Lions Victory Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
During a dominant showing, England secured one more triumph versus Albania, featuring several squad members producing standout performances throughout the game.
First-choice XI
Dean Henderson Had little to do required during the opening 45 before forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. His sliding tackle against Qazim Laci highlighted his game intelligence. 6/10
Jarell Quansah Tested against Albania’s main danger in Hoxha. Played more centrally early on later drifted to the flank after a teammate came on. 7/10
The defender Advanced into midfield when in possession, something he's known for before. On occasion seemed hesitant on the ball with the tactic abandoned by the interval. Six
Dan Burn A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, as always, perhaps is an alternative to Stones at the back rather than paired with him. One wayward pass after the break came close to the first goal from Albania. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly One more composed display by the youngster following his debut versus Serbia. Saka failed to make the most of a gorgeous backheel over the Albania defence. The left-back spot is firmly his at this stage. Seven
Adam Wharton His first start for his country. Somewhat sloppy when playing out however his inswinging set-pieces caused problems. An effective tempo-setter for the coach to utilize against teams who drop deep. Booked for a rash foul. 6/10
The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and free-kicks created chances. Was given room to move in left midfield but was in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Awarded a merited substitution on the hour mark. 6/10
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high spot down the right and did plenty of defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance and scuffed an attempt high. Withdrawn late on by Rogers, his competition, after being booked. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's top opening before halftime, his shot smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah holding position, he had to offer an outlet out wide although his balls into the box were inconsistent. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6
The captain The decisive figure netting seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes at international level. The first a typical opportunist's goal while the second an excellent finish with his head having drifted away away from the opposition. Now 32, he’s only getting better with the national team have every chance in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. 8
Eberechi Eze Found it tough to get into the game out wide. Had a decent opportunity following a pass by the midfielder but the keeper kept it out. Rashford produced a bigger an impact after coming on. 5/10
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Was bright connecting seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, Six
- Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities although his set-piece provided the breakthrough, Six
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Energetic when brought on and set up the second goal via an excellent ball into the area, Seven
- Elliot Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable already, 6/10
- Rogers (for the star 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six