Player Ratings: England Triumph Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifier
In a dominant performance, the English national team clinched another victory versus Albania, featuring several players producing standout displays throughout the game.
First-choice Lineup
Dean Henderson Had little to do required during the opening 45 until tested from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding tackle on Qazim Laci highlighted sharp reading of the game. 6/10
The debutant Tested against Albania’s primary attacker through their forward. Played more centrally to begin with then shifted out wide once a teammate came on. 7
John Stones Moved forward when in possession, a familiar role before. At times lacked urgency on the ball and the approach discontinued at half-time. 6
Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, typically, perhaps is a replacement for his teammate in the backline rather than alongside him. A loose distribution in the second half almost led to a goal from the visitors. Six
The young full-back A further confident showing by the youngster following his first cap against another side. A teammate failed to make the most of an exquisite flick behind the Albania defence. The role is firmly his at this stage. Seven
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning in an England shirt. Slightly sloppy when playing out but his whipped corners were a threat. A handy game manager for the manager to have against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a rash tackle. 6
The midfielder Crosses from corners and set-plays caused problems. Enjoyed license to roam in left midfield but was in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Awarded a merited substitution on the hour mark. 6/10
The star midfielder Played in an advanced position on the right and also put in the hard yards. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance but scuffed an effort high. Replaced towards the end for Rogers, his competition, after receiving a caution. Seven
The winger Had England’s best chance before halftime, his shot excellently kept out from the opposing goalkeeper. As a teammate holding position, he was forced to offer an outlet on the right yet his deliveries from wide areas were hit and miss. Taken off with 15 to go. 6
The captain The difference-maker with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes in an England shirt. The opener a typical poacher’s finish and the second a classy headed goal following a clever run away from the opposition. Aged 32, his form is unwavering with the national team have every chance in the upcoming tournament with him leading the line. 8
Eberechi Eze Found it tough to influence play out wide. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in by Bellingham yet Strakosha kept it out. Rashford made much more of an impact when substituted. 5
Substitutes
- Phil Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Was bright and linked up well with Kane in a preferred position, 6
- Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities but his corner created the first goal, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Lively after coming on assisting Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery to the back post, 7
- Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established already, 6
- Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6/10