Player Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match
During a dominant performance, England clinched one more victory versus Albania, featuring multiple squad members turning in standout displays during the match.
Starting XI
The goalkeeper Had little to do to perform during the opening 45 before tested by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding challenge on Qazim Laci showed sharp game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Examined by the opposition's main danger in Hoxha. Played in a central role early on but moved to the flank after a teammate came on. Seven
The defender Moved up the pitch when in possession, as he has done in the past. Sometimes seemed hesitant when carrying play and the experiment discontinued after the break. 6/10
The tall defender Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, but may be another option to his teammate at the back as opposed to paired with him. A loose pass in the second half came close to the first goal from the visitors. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further confident display from the 20-year-old after his debut versus Serbia. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from an exquisite backheel over the opposing backline. The role is his to lose at this stage. 7
The newcomer His first start with the national team. A bit loose on the ball though his whipped set-pieces posed a danger. A handy pace-controller for the manager to have against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10
The midfielder Crosses from dead balls and free kicks were dangerous. Was given license to move down the left flank but was offside as the pass came in front of goal. Granted a well-earned break around the 60-minute point. Six
The star midfielder Operated in a forward spot out wide and put in dirty work. Displayed moments of class but scuffed an attempt high. Withdrawn in the closing stages for a teammate, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7
Jarrod Bowen Had the team's best chance before halftime, his effort well saved by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate hanging back, he had to provide width down the right side yet his deliveries from wide areas varied in quality. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6/10
The captain The difference-maker with his 77th and 78th finishes in an England shirt. The first a typical close-range tap-in and his next an excellent header having drifted away away from the opposition. Aged 32, he continues to improve and the side have every chance next summer when he's in the team. Eight
The attacker Had difficulty to get into the game on the left flank. Had a decent opportunity after being played in from a teammate but the keeper denied him. Rashford produced a bigger effect in his place. 5/10
Substitutes
- Phil Foden (replacing Rice 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in more familiar role, 6
- Bukayo Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities although his set-piece led to the breakthrough, 6
- Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Energetic when brought on assisting the second goal via an excellent ball to the far post, 7/10
- Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Looks established already, Six
- Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6