Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
In a commanding display, England secured another victory against Albania, featuring a number of players turning in standout performances on the pitch.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Had little to do required in the first half before tested from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker demonstrated sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Challenged against Albania’s main danger through their forward. Operated in a central role to begin with but moved wider once a teammate was introduced. Seven
John Stones Pushed up the pitch when in possession, as he has done before. Sometimes lacked urgency when carrying play and the experiment discontinued by the interval. 6/10
Dan Burn Always dangerous at set pieces, as always, perhaps is an alternative to his teammate in defense as opposed to alongside him. A loose distribution in the second half nearly resulted in an opener from the visitors. 6/10
The young full-back One more composed performance from the rising star following his debut against Serbia. A teammate was unable to take the most of an exquisite touch behind their defense. His position is his to lose so soon. 7
Adam Wharton A debut start in an England shirt. Somewhat careless on the ball though his dangerous deliveries were a threat. A useful pace-controller for the coach to have versus defensive opponents. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. Six
Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and free-kicks were dangerous. Had freedom to drift on the left but was offside when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Given a merited break on the hour mark. Six
Jude Bellingham Operated in an advanced spot down the right while also did plenty of the hard yards. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance but dragged an effort over. Substituted towards the end for a teammate, a fellow player, after being booked. Seven
The winger Had the team's top opening before halftime, his shot smartly stopped by the Albanian keeper. As Quansah hanging back, it fell to him to offer an outlet down the right side yet his deliveries into the box were inconsistent. Replaced late in the match. 6/10
Harry Kane The difference-maker netting 77th and 78th strikes in an England shirt. The first a classic opportunist's goal while the second a superb finish with his head having drifted away from his marker. Now 32, he continues to improve with the national team stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8
The attacker Struggled to make an impact from the left. Was presented with a good opening following a pass by Bellingham however the keeper kept it out. His replacement made much more of an impact in his place. 5/10
Substitutes
- Phil Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and linked up well with Kane in more familiar role, 6
- Saka (on for the winger 63) Spurned chances although his set-piece provided the first goal, 6
- Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Active when brought on and provided the second goal with a brilliant delivery to the back post, 7/10
- Elliot Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established already, 6
- Morgan Rogers (replacing the star 84) Insufficient minutes to affect things, 6