Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Sealed by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
Throughout a commanding performance, the English national team secured another victory against their opponents, featuring several players producing standout displays on the pitch.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save to perform before the break but then tested from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding challenge on Qazim Laci highlighted his reading of the game. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Challenged by Albania’s main danger in Hoxha. Operated more centrally early on but moved to the flank after Saka was introduced. 7
The defender Moved into midfield on the ball, as he has done previously. On occasion was too casual on the ball and the experiment abandoned by the interval. 6
The tall defender Always dangerous on corners and free-kicks, as always, could serve as another option to his teammate in defense instead of his partner. A careless ball later in the match nearly resulted in the first goal for Albania. 6
The young full-back A further confident display from the youngster following his initial appearance against Serbia. A teammate failed to make the opportunity from an exquisite flick behind the Albania defence. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. 7
Adam Wharton A debut start with the national team. Slightly loose on the ball but his inswinging deliveries posed a danger. An effective pace-controller for the manager to call upon against defensive opponents. Cautioned after a reckless foul. Six
The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and set-plays were dangerous. Enjoyed freedom to drift in left midfield yet found himself in an offside position when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a deserved break after an hour. Six
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high role on the right and also did plenty of defensive duties. Showed flashes of quality and mishit an attempt wide. Replaced towards the end for Rogers, his competition, following a yellow card. 7/10
The winger Was presented with England’s top opening of the first half, his effort well saved from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate hanging back, he had to offer an outlet on the right yet his deliveries into the box varied in quality. Taken off with 15 to go. 6/10
Harry Kane The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals at international level. His first a classic opportunist's goal and his next an excellent header after peeling away from his marker. At 32, he continues to improve with the national team are strong contenders in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to get into the game out wide. Was presented with a decent opportunity following a pass by Bellingham yet Strakosha denied him. Rashford produced a bigger influence in his place. Five
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in a preferred position, 6
- Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner led to the first goal, Six
- Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Active after coming on assisting Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery to the far post, Seven
- Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Looks established at this level, Six
- Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, 6