Player Evaluations: England Victory Sealed by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
Throughout a dominant showing, the English national team secured one more triumph versus their opponents, with a number of players turning in memorable performances throughout the game.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save required before the break before forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding challenge on Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp game intelligence. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Examined against Albania’s main danger in their forward. Played more centrally initially then shifted to the flank once a teammate entered the fray. 7
The defender Pushed up the pitch when in possession, something he's known for before. On occasion lacked urgency in possession and the approach was shelved after the break. 6
Dan Burn A nuisance from dead balls, as always, but may be a replacement for Stones at the back rather than paired with him. A loose ball in the second half almost led to a goal for the visitors. 6
The young full-back One more assured performance by the rising star after his first cap versus Serbia. Saka failed to make the most of a clever flick over their defense. The left-back spot is firmly his already. 7
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning with the national team. Somewhat careless on the ball though his inswinging corners were a threat. A useful game manager available to the boss to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Booked for a rash tackle. 6/10
Declan Rice Set-pieces from dead balls and free kicks were dangerous. Was given license to move on the left yet found himself offside upon receiving in front of goal. Granted a deserved substitution on the hour mark. 6
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a forward role down the right and did plenty of the hard yards. Showed glimpses of brilliance but dragged an attempt wide. Replaced towards the end for a teammate, his rival, after being booked. Seven
The winger Was presented with the team's clearest opportunity in the opening period, his effort excellently kept out by the Albanian keeper. With Quansah staying deep, it fell to him to offer an outlet down the right side but his crosses from the touchline were inconsistent. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. Six
The captain The difference-maker netting two more goals in an England shirt. The first a typical opportunist's goal and his next a classy header after peeling away off his defender. Now 32, he continues to improve and England stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him up top. 8
Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play from the left. Was presented with a presentable chance when set up by the midfielder however the keeper kept it out. His replacement had a greater influence when substituted. 5/10
Replacements
- Foden (for Rice 63) Appeared sharp connecting effectively with the striker in more familiar role, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze 63) Spurned chances yet his delivery provided the opener, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Energetic upon introduction assisting the second goal with superb cross to the far post, Seven
- Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable already, 6
- Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6/10