Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Win Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match
In a commanding performance, the English national team wrapped up another victory versus their opponents, featuring multiple squad members turning in notable displays during the match.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save to make during the opening 45 until called into action from an opponent's curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention against Qazim Laci showed excellent reading of the game. Six out of ten
The debutant Tested against Albania’s main danger in Hoxha. Started more centrally to begin with but moved wider after Saka came on. 7/10
The defender Advanced up the pitch on the ball, a familiar role before. Sometimes seemed hesitant in possession with the tactic discontinued at half-time. 6
The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, as always, could serve as another option to his teammate in defense as opposed to his partner. A careless pass after the break came close to the first goal from the visitors. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further assured showing from the youngster following his first cap against Serbia. Saka failed to make the opportunity from a gorgeous backheel behind their defense. The role is firmly his at this stage. 7
Adam Wharton His first start in an England shirt. A bit careless in possession but his dangerous deliveries were a threat. A handy tempo-setter for the coach to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow after a reckless tackle. Six
Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and set-plays caused problems. Was given freedom to roam in left midfield but was in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Given a well-earned substitution around the 60-minute point. 6/10
Jude Bellingham Functioned in an advanced position on the right and also put in defensive duties. Showed moments of class and scuffed an effort over. Substituted in the closing stages by Rogers, his rival, following a yellow card. Seven
The winger Had England’s best chance of the first half, his shot excellently kept out by the Albanian keeper. With a teammate staying deep, he had to offer an outlet out wide but his crosses from the touchline varied in quality. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6
Harry Kane The decisive figure with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes in an England shirt. The opener a classic poacher’s finish and the second a superb headed goal having drifted away from his marker. Now 32, his form is unwavering and the side are strong contenders next summer with him up top. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Found it tough to influence play on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass by the midfielder yet the keeper denied him. His replacement produced a bigger effect after coming on. 5/10
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp connecting seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, Six
- Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Failed to convert but his corner provided the breakthrough, Six
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Energetic when brought on and provided the second goal with a brilliant delivery to the far post, 7/10
- Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Looks established so soon, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to influence the game, 6/10