Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
In a dominant display, the English national team clinched a further victory against Albania, with multiple players delivering notable displays during the match.
Starting XI
Dean Henderson Had little to do required before the break before called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. A sliding intervention against Qazim Laci highlighted excellent game intelligence. 6/10
Jarell Quansah Examined against Albania’s biggest threat in Hoxha. Played more centrally initially then shifted out wide once Saka came on. 7
John Stones Moved forward when in possession, as he has done in the past. On occasion lacked urgency on the ball with the experiment discontinued after the break. Six
The tall defender A constant threat at set pieces, as always, but may be a replacement to his teammate in defense instead of his partner. One wayward ball after the break came close to the first goal from the visitors. Six
The young full-back A further assured showing from the youngster after his initial appearance versus Serbia. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch behind their defense. The left-back spot is firmly his already. 7/10
The newcomer His first start for his country. Somewhat careless in possession though his whipped set-pieces caused problems. An effective tempo-setter available to the boss to call upon versus defensive opponents. Shown a yellow after a reckless tackle. Six
The midfielder Crosses from dead balls and free-kicks caused problems. Was given freedom to roam in left midfield yet found himself offside as the pass came in shooting positions. Given a well-earned rest on the hour mark. 6/10
The star midfielder Played in a high role out wide and put in dirty work. Showed flashes of quality but scuffed an effort high. Substituted late on for Rogers, a fellow player, following a yellow card. 7/10
The winger Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity of the first half, his strike excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate staying deep, it fell to him to stretch the play on the right yet his deliveries from wide areas were hit and miss. Substituted late in the match. 6/10
The captain The difference-maker scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes at international level. The opener a trademark opportunist's goal while the second an excellent headed goal having drifted away away from the opposition. Now 32, he’s only getting better with the national team have every chance in the upcoming tournament with him leading the line. 8
The attacker Found it tough to influence play out wide. Had a decent opportunity following a pass by the midfielder however Strakosha made the save. Rashford produced a bigger influence after coming on. 5
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Looked lively and combined well with the striker in a preferred position, Six
- Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances yet his delivery created the breakthrough, 6/10
- Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Active after coming on and set up the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the far post, 7
- Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Seems settled already, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to influence the game, 6/10