Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Harry Kane's Double in International Qualifier
In a impressive display, England secured one more triumph against Albania, featuring several players turning in memorable displays on the pitch.
First-choice XI
Dean Henderson Not a save to perform during the opening 45 before called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. One well-timed sliding tackle against an Albanian attacker showed excellent anticipation. 6/10
The debutant Tested against Albania’s main danger through their forward. Operated through the middle initially but moved wider once Saka was introduced. 7/10
John Stones Pushed up the pitch on the ball, something he's known for previously. Sometimes lacked urgency in possession with the approach abandoned by the interval. 6
Dan Burn Always dangerous at set pieces, typically, but may be a replacement to his teammate at the back instead of alongside him. A careless distribution in the second half came close to an opener from the visitors. Six
Nico O’Reilly Another composed performance from the 20-year-old after his first cap versus Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the most of a gorgeous touch behind the Albania defence. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. 7
The newcomer His maiden beginning with the national team. Somewhat sloppy in possession but his whipped corners posed a danger. A useful pace-controller available to the manager to have versus sides that sit back. Booked for a rash challenge. Six
The midfielder Crosses from corners and free-kicks were dangerous. Had license to roam down the left flank yet found himself in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Awarded a merited break around the 60-minute point. 6/10
The star midfielder Functioned in a high spot down the right and did plenty of the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality and scuffed an attempt over. Substituted in the closing stages for a teammate, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. 7
Jarrod Bowen Had the team's clearest opportunity before halftime, his shot smartly stopped by Thomas Strakosha. With Quansah holding position, he was forced to offer an outlet out wide but his crosses from the touchline were inconsistent. Replaced with 15 to go. Six
The captain The difference-maker netting two more goals for his country. The first a typical poacher’s finish and the second a classy header after peeling away off his defender. Now 32, he continues to improve and England have every chance next summer when he's in the team. 8/10
The attacker Found it tough to make an impact on the left flank. Was presented with a good opening after being played in from a teammate but the keeper made the save. His replacement produced a bigger influence after coming on. 5
Replacements
- Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in more familiar role, 6
- Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Failed to convert although his set-piece created the first goal, Six
- Marcus Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Energetic when brought on and provided the second goal with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7/10
- Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable already, 6
- Morgan Rogers (replacing Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6