Player Assessments: England Victory Sealed by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match
Throughout a dominant showing, the English national team secured a further victory against Albania, with a number of squad members producing notable performances during the match.
First-choice XI
Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to perform before the break until called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. A sliding tackle against Qazim Laci highlighted his reading of the game. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Examined by Albania’s primary attacker through Hoxha. Started through the middle early on but moved out wide after Saka was introduced. 7
John Stones Advanced up the pitch with the ball at his feet, as he has done before. Sometimes was too casual on the ball and the tactic abandoned by the interval. Six
Dan Burn A nuisance from dead balls, per usual, could serve as another option for his teammate at the back rather than alongside him. One wayward ball in the second half almost led to a goal from the visitors. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further confident showing from the 20-year-old after his initial appearance against another side. A teammate failed to make the most of an exquisite touch over their defense. The left-back spot is firmly his already. Seven
Adam Wharton A debut start with the national team. Somewhat loose in possession but his whipped corners were a threat. A useful pace-controller available to the coach to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned after a reckless foul. 6
The midfielder Crosses from dead balls and set-plays were dangerous. Was given room to move on the left only to be in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Awarded a deserved substitution around the 60-minute point. 6
The star midfielder Functioned in a high position down the right while also did plenty of defensive duties. Showed flashes of quality but mishit an attempt wide. Substituted in the closing stages for a teammate, his competition, following a yellow card. Seven
The winger Was presented with the team's top opening before halftime, his effort smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah hanging back, he was forced to stretch the play out wide although his balls from the touchline varied in quality. Taken off late in the match. 6/10
The captain The difference-maker scoring two more goals at international level. The opener a trademark close-range tap-in and the second a superb finish with his head having drifted away from his marker. Now 32, his form is unwavering with the national team are strong contenders next summer with him up top. Eight
The attacker Struggled to make an impact from the left. Had a good opening following a pass from a teammate however the keeper kept it out. Rashford had a greater influence when substituted. Five
Replacements
- Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and linked up well with Kane in more familiar role, 6
- Bukayo Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities yet his delivery created the opener, Six
- Rashford (for Bowen 75) Active after coming on and set up the captain's brace with superb cross into the area, Seven
- Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable so soon, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Not enough time to influence the game, 6/10
