Squad Assessments: England Triumph Sealed by Kane's Double in International Qualifier
During a dominant showing, the English national team secured one more victory against Albania, with multiple players turning in notable displays throughout the game.
First-choice XI
Dean Henderson Had little to do to perform before the break until tested by an opponent's bent shot. One well-timed sliding tackle on an Albanian attacker highlighted sharp reading of the game. 6/10
Jarell Quansah Examined against Albania’s primary attacker through Hoxha. Played in a central role to begin with but moved to the flank once Saka entered the fray. 7/10
John Stones Pushed forward when in possession, a familiar role previously. On occasion was too casual on the ball with the experiment abandoned by the interval. 6
Dan Burn A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, as always, perhaps is another option for Stones in the backline instead of his partner. A careless distribution in the second half came close to the first goal from Albania. 6
Nico O’Reilly Another composed display by the youngster following his first cap versus Serbia. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from an exquisite touch over their defense. His position is firmly his already. 7/10
Adam Wharton A debut start for his country. Somewhat careless in possession but his dangerous deliveries were a threat. An effective tempo-setter for the manager to call upon against sides that sit back. Booked for a poorly timed tackle. 6
The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and free-kicks created chances. Enjoyed freedom to move down the left flank yet found himself in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Granted a well-earned break after an hour. 6/10
The star midfielder Functioned in an advanced role out wide and also contributed with the hard yards. Demonstrated moments of class and dragged an effort high. Replaced towards the end by Rogers, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7
The winger Was presented with the team's best chance before halftime, his shot smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate holding position, it fell to him to provide width on the right but his crosses from the touchline varied in quality. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. 6/10
The captain The decisive figure scoring 77th and 78th goals for his country. The opener a typical poacher’s finish while the second a classy headed goal having drifted away away from the opposition. At 32, he continues to improve and England stand a real opportunity in future competitions when he's in the team. 8
The attacker Struggled to influence play from the left. Had a decent opportunity after being played in from a teammate but Strakosha denied him. Rashford produced a bigger effect after coming on. Five
Replacements
- Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively connecting seamlessly with the striker in a natural spot, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Failed to convert although his set-piece led to the first goal, Six
- Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Active after coming on assisting the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the far post, 7/10
- Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable at this level, 6/10
- Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Not enough time to influence the game, 6/10