Player Ratings: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match
Throughout a dominant display, the English national team clinched one more win against Albania, with multiple players delivering memorable displays on the pitch.
Starting Eleven
Dean Henderson Not a save to make during the opening 45 but then called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. His sliding intervention on Qazim Laci demonstrated his anticipation. Six out of ten
The debutant Challenged by Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Started in a central role initially but moved to the flank after a teammate came on. 7/10
The defender Advanced up the pitch with the ball at his feet, as he has done before. On occasion was too casual on the ball and the approach discontinued after the break. 6
Dan Burn A nuisance at set pieces, as always, perhaps is a replacement to Stones at the back rather than his partner. One wayward ball after the break nearly resulted in a goal for Albania. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further confident performance from the rising star following his debut against Serbia. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch behind the opposing backline. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. Seven
The newcomer A debut start with the national team. A bit sloppy on the ball though his inswinging deliveries posed a danger. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to call upon versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. 6/10
Declan Rice Crosses from corners and free-kicks caused problems. Had room to drift on the left but was offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Awarded a merited substitution on the hour mark. 6/10
The star midfielder Functioned in a high spot on the right and put in dirty work. Showed moments of class but scuffed an attempt wide. Substituted in the closing stages for a teammate, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7/10
The winger Had England’s clearest opportunity before halftime, his effort well saved by the Albanian keeper. With Quansah hanging back, he had to offer an outlet out wide but his crosses from wide areas varied in quality. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6/10
Harry Kane The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th finishes for his country. The opener a typical poacher’s finish and the second a classy headed goal after peeling away off his defender. At 32, he’s only getting better and the side are strong contenders next summer with him leading the line. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Struggled to make an impact out wide. Was presented with a good opening after being played in by Bellingham yet Strakosha kept it out. Rashford had a greater influence after coming on. 5
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (replacing Rice 63) Appeared sharp and combined effectively with the striker in a natural spot, 6
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances but his corner provided the opener, 6
- Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Lively upon introduction and set up the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the back post, 7/10
- Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Looks established already, Six
- Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6