Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Win Sealed by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match
During a impressive display, the English national team clinched another win against their opponents, featuring multiple players producing memorable displays on the pitch.
First-choice XI
Dean Henderson Not a save required in the first half but then tested from an opponent's curled attempt. His sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker demonstrated his anticipation. 6/10
Jarell Quansah Challenged against Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Played in a central role initially then shifted to the flank after a teammate entered the fray. Seven
John Stones Moved forward on the ball, as he has done previously. On occasion seemed hesitant in possession and the experiment discontinued after the break. Six
The tall defender A nuisance from dead balls, as always, perhaps is a replacement to Stones in the backline as opposed to alongside him. One wayward distribution in the second half almost led to the first goal for the visitors. 6
Nico O’Reilly Another composed performance by the rising star after his first cap against another side. A teammate did not capitalize on full advantage of an exquisite touch over the Albania defence. His position is firmly his so soon. 7/10
Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. Somewhat loose on the ball but his inswinging corners posed a danger. A useful game manager for the manager to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a poorly timed foul. 6
The midfielder Crosses from dead balls and free-kicks caused problems. Was given room to drift down the left flank only to be offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Awarded a deserved rest after an hour. 6/10
The star midfielder Played in an advanced position out wide and did plenty of the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality and mishit an attempt over. Withdrawn towards the end by a teammate, a fellow player, after being booked. 7
The winger Was presented with England’s top opening in the opening period, his effort well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. As Quansah holding position, he had to provide width out wide yet his deliveries from wide areas varied in quality. Substituted with 15 to go. 6
Harry Kane The match-winner netting two more finishes for his country. His first a classic opportunist's goal and the second a superb finish with his head having drifted away off his defender. Now 32, he continues to improve and the side are strong contenders next summer with him leading the line. 8
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to make an impact out wide. Had a decent opportunity after being played in by Bellingham but Strakosha denied him. His replacement made much more of an impact in his place. 5/10
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Was bright connecting seamlessly with Kane in a natural spot, Six
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece created the opener, Six
- Marcus Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Energetic after coming on and set up the second goal with a brilliant delivery to the back post, 7/10
- Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable at this level, Six
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6