Player Assessments: The Three Lions Win Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
During a impressive showing, the English national team clinched another triumph versus Albania, featuring a number of squad members producing standout performances during the match.
First-choice Lineup
The goalkeeper Not a save to make during the opening 45 until called into action from an opponent's bent shot. His sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker showed sharp game intelligence. Six out of ten
The debutant Tested against the opposition's main danger in Hoxha. Operated more centrally initially then shifted to the flank once a teammate came on. Seven
John Stones Pushed up the pitch on the ball, something he's known for before. At times lacked urgency in possession and the approach was shelved by the interval. Six
The tall defender A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, as always, perhaps is another option for Stones in defense rather than alongside him. A loose distribution after the break came close to a goal from the visitors. 6/10
The young full-back A further composed showing from the rising star after his initial appearance versus Serbia. Saka failed to make the opportunity from a gorgeous touch behind the opposing backline. The left-back spot is firmly his already. 7/10
Adam Wharton A debut start in an England shirt. Slightly loose in possession however his inswinging corners were a threat. A handy pace-controller available to the manager to call upon versus defensive opponents. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10
Declan Rice Crosses from corners and set-plays caused problems. Had room to move in left midfield but was in an offside position upon receiving in shooting positions. Awarded a merited rest on the hour mark. 6
The star midfielder Played in a high position out wide while also contributed with defensive duties. Demonstrated moments of class and mishit an attempt high. Withdrawn in the closing stages by a teammate, his competition, after being booked. 7
Jarrod Bowen Had England’s best chance before halftime, his strike excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. With Quansah holding position, it fell to him to offer an outlet on the right although his balls into the box were inconsistent. Taken off with 15 to go. 6
The captain The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes for his country. The first a classic poacher’s finish and his next a superb headed goal after peeling away from his marker. Aged 32, he continues to improve and England have every chance in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10
The attacker Found it tough to influence play out wide. Had a decent opportunity when set up by Bellingham yet the keeper kept it out. Rashford made much more of effect after coming on. 5
Replacements
- Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp connecting seamlessly with the striker in a preferred position, 6
- Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities yet his delivery led to the first goal, Six
- Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively after coming on assisting Kane’s second with superb cross to the far post, Seven
- Elliot Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established already, 6
- Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Insufficient minutes to affect things, Six