Squad Evaluations: England Triumph Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
In a commanding performance, England secured one more triumph against Albania, featuring a number of players producing standout displays throughout the game.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Had little to do to make during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from an opponent's curled attempt. A sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent reading of the game. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Challenged by the opposition's main danger through Hoxha. Started in a central role initially but moved out wide after a teammate entered the fray. Seven
John Stones Advanced up the pitch on the ball, something he's known for before. On occasion was too casual when carrying play and the experiment discontinued after the break. 6/10
Dan Burn A nuisance from dead balls, as always, could serve as another option for Stones at the back as opposed to his partner. A loose pass in the second half almost led to the first goal for Albania. 6/10
The young full-back One more assured display from the rising star following his first cap versus Serbia. A teammate was unable to take the opportunity from a gorgeous flick behind their defense. The left-back spot is firmly his at this stage. 7/10
The newcomer His maiden beginning in an England shirt. Somewhat loose when playing out but his whipped deliveries were a threat. An effective game manager for the coach to utilize against defensive opponents. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10
The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and set-plays created chances. Was given freedom to drift down the left flank but was in an offside position upon receiving in front of goal. Awarded a merited rest after an hour. 6
The star midfielder Played in a forward position on the right while also put in the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality and dragged an effort high. Withdrawn in the closing stages by Rogers, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7/10
The winger Had the team's clearest opportunity before halftime, his effort well saved from Thomas Strakosha. With a teammate holding position, he was forced to provide width down the right side but his crosses from wide areas were hit and miss. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. Six
Harry Kane The match-winner with his 77th and 78th finishes in an England shirt. The first a trademark opportunist's goal and the second a classy finish with his head following a clever run away from the opposition. Now 32, he’s only getting better and the side are strong contenders next summer with him up top. 8
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a decent opportunity when set up by Bellingham but the keeper made the save. His replacement produced a bigger an impact after coming on. 5/10
Substitutes
- Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp connecting seamlessly with Kane in a natural spot, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Missed opportunities yet his delivery created the first goal, Six
- Rashford (for Bowen 75) Energetic upon introduction and provided Kane’s second via an excellent ball into the area, Seven
- Elliot Anderson (for Wharton 75) Looks established so soon, Six
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to make an impact, Six