Player Ratings: England Win Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match
In a commanding performance, the English national team secured one more victory versus their opponents, featuring a number of players turning in standout displays during the match.
Starting Eleven
The goalkeeper Had little to do required before the break until called into action from an opponent's bent shot. A sliding challenge on Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp anticipation. 6/10
The debutant Tested by the opposition's main danger through their forward. Operated more centrally early on but moved wider after Saka entered the fray. 7
John Stones Advanced forward when in possession, something he's known for previously. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball with the tactic abandoned at half-time. 6/10
The tall defender A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, typically, but may be another option to his teammate at the back rather than alongside him. A loose pass after the break almost led to an opener from Albania. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further confident display from the rising star after his debut versus Serbia. A teammate failed to make the most of an exquisite backheel behind the Albania defence. The role looks secure at this stage. 7
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning in an England shirt. A bit careless when playing out though his inswinging corners posed a danger. An effective tempo-setter available to the boss to have versus teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed foul. 6/10
Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and free kicks were dangerous. Was given freedom to drift down the left flank but was in an offside position upon receiving in shooting positions. Given a deserved break on the hour mark. 6/10
The star midfielder Operated in a forward role out wide and did plenty of the hard yards. Showed flashes of quality but scuffed an attempt high. Substituted towards the end by Rogers, his rival, following a yellow card. 7
The winger Was presented with England’s best chance in the opening period, his effort well saved from Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah holding position, it fell to him to offer an outlet on the right yet his deliveries from the touchline varied in quality. Replaced with 15 to go. Six
Harry Kane The difference-maker netting 77th and 78th finishes at international level. His first a classic poacher’s finish and his next an excellent headed goal following a clever run off his defender. Aged 32, his form is unwavering and the side stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to influence play out wide. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate but the keeper made the save. Rashford produced a bigger an impact when substituted. Five
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Was bright and linked up seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, 6/10
- Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances but his corner provided the breakthrough, Six
- Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Active upon introduction assisting Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery to the far post, 7/10
- Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Seems settled at this level, 6
- Rogers (for the star 84) Not enough time to influence the game, 6