Player Assessments: England Victory Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
Throughout a commanding display, England clinched one more win against Albania, featuring a number of squad members turning in memorable performances during the match.
First-choice Lineup
Dean Henderson Not a save to perform during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. His sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker showed his anticipation. Six out of ten
The debutant Examined by the opposition's biggest threat through Hoxha. Played more centrally early on later drifted wider after Saka entered the fray. 7/10
The defender Advanced forward on the ball, a familiar role previously. At times was too casual when carrying play and the experiment abandoned by the interval. 6/10
The tall defender A constant threat from dead balls, typically, but may be a replacement to his teammate in defense rather than alongside him. A loose pass later in the match nearly resulted in the first goal from Albania. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly One more assured showing from the youngster after his initial appearance against another side. Saka failed to make the most of an exquisite touch behind the Albania defence. His position is his to lose at this stage. 7/10
Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. Somewhat careless on the ball though his whipped corners posed a danger. A handy tempo-setter available to the boss to utilize versus sides that sit back. Booked after a reckless tackle. 6
Declan Rice Deliveries from corners and free kicks caused problems. Was given freedom to move on the left only to be offside when the ball arrived in front of goal. Awarded a deserved substitution after an hour. 6/10
The star midfielder Functioned in a forward role out wide and put in defensive duties. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance and dragged an attempt wide. Substituted in the closing stages by a teammate, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity of the first half, his shot well saved by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate staying deep, he had to provide width down the right side yet his deliveries from wide areas were hit and miss. Replaced with 15 to go. 6/10
Harry Kane The match-winner scoring two more finishes in an England shirt. The opener a typical close-range tap-in while the second a superb headed goal after peeling away from his marker. At 32, his form is unwavering and the side stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament with him up top. Eight
The attacker Found it tough to get into the game on the left flank. Had a decent opportunity following a pass by the midfielder however Strakosha made the save. Rashford produced a bigger effect in his place. Five
Substitutes
- Foden (replacing Rice 63) Appeared sharp connecting effectively with the striker in a natural spot, 6
- Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances but his corner provided the first goal, 6
- Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Lively after coming on and set up the second goal via an excellent ball into the area, Seven
- Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable already, Six
- Morgan Rogers (for the star 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6