Squad Ratings: England Victory Sealed by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match
Throughout a commanding display, the English national team clinched one more win against Albania, featuring a number of players producing memorable displays on the pitch.
Starting XI
Dean Henderson Not a save required during the opening 45 before forced to intervene from an opponent's curling effort. A sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker highlighted sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Challenged by the opposition's biggest threat in Hoxha. Played in a central role initially later drifted wider after a teammate entered the fray. 7
John Stones Pushed forward when in possession, something he's known for before. At times seemed hesitant when carrying play with the experiment discontinued by the interval. 6
The tall defender A nuisance at set pieces, per usual, perhaps is an alternative to Stones at the back rather than alongside him. A loose pass in the second half almost led to a goal from the visitors. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further composed display from the youngster after his initial appearance versus another side. Saka failed to make full advantage of an exquisite flick behind their defense. His position is his to lose at this stage. 7/10
The newcomer A debut start with the national team. Slightly loose on the ball though his inswinging set-pieces caused problems. A useful tempo-setter available to the boss to call upon versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a rash tackle. 6/10
The midfielder Deliveries from corners and free kicks caused problems. Enjoyed license to drift on the left but was offside as the pass came in front of goal. Granted a merited substitution after an hour. 6
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high position on the right and contributed with defensive duties. Demonstrated flashes of quality and dragged an effort wide. Withdrawn in the closing stages for Rogers, his competition, following a yellow card. 7
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's top opening in the opening period, his shot excellently kept out by the opposing goalkeeper. With Quansah hanging back, he was forced to stretch the play out wide although his balls from the touchline were inconsistent. Substituted late in the match. 6/10
The captain The match-winner netting 77th and 78th finishes for his country. The opener a trademark opportunist's goal while the second an excellent finish with his head having drifted away away from the opposition. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and the side stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him up top. 8
The attacker Found it tough to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a decent opportunity when set up from a teammate yet the keeper made the save. Rashford had a greater influence when substituted. Five
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Was bright and combined effectively with Kane in a natural spot, 6/10
- Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner created the first goal, Six
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Lively upon introduction and provided the second goal via an excellent ball to the back post, 7
- Elliot Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established at this level, 6/10
- Rogers (replacing the star 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6/10