Player Assessments: The Three Lions Victory Sealed by Harry Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match
During a impressive performance, England secured one more victory against Albania, with several squad members delivering standout performances throughout the game.
First-choice Lineup
The goalkeeper Not a save to make before the break before forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. A sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker showed sharp game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Examined against Albania’s main danger in their forward. Started more centrally early on later drifted to the flank after a teammate came on. Seven
John Stones Moved up the pitch when in possession, as he has done before. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball with the tactic was shelved at half-time. 6
The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, as always, could serve as a replacement to his teammate in defense instead of his partner. One wayward distribution later in the match nearly resulted in an opener from Albania. 6
The young full-back One more composed display by the youngster following his first cap against Serbia. A teammate failed to make the most of a clever flick behind their defense. The role is his to lose so soon. 7
The newcomer His first start with the national team. Somewhat sloppy in possession though his whipped corners posed a danger. A handy game manager available to the boss to have versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a poorly timed foul. Six
The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and free-kicks were dangerous. Was given room to drift in left midfield yet found himself offside when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Granted a merited substitution around the 60-minute point. Six
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high role out wide while also contributed with dirty work. Displayed moments of class but mishit an attempt wide. Substituted late on for Rogers, his rival, following a yellow card. Seven
The winger Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity in the opening period, his strike smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate hanging back, he was forced to provide width on the right yet his deliveries into the box were hit and miss. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. 6/10
The captain The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes for his country. His first a classic poacher’s finish and his next an excellent headed goal after peeling away away from the opposition. Now 32, his form is unwavering with the national team stand a real opportunity next summer when he's in the team. 8
The attacker Found it tough to influence play from the left. Had a presentable chance when set up by the midfielder yet Strakosha made the save. His replacement made much more of effect when substituted. 5
Replacements
- Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively and linked up effectively with Kane in a natural spot, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (on for the winger 63) Failed to convert but his corner provided the opener, Six
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Active after coming on and provided the second goal with superb cross to the back post, 7
- Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Seems settled at this level, 6
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to make an impact, Six