Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifier
Throughout a dominant display, England clinched another win against Albania, featuring several players delivering memorable displays on the pitch.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Had little to do to perform before the break before forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding challenge on Qazim Laci highlighted his game intelligence. Six out of ten
The debutant Challenged by Albania’s biggest threat in their forward. Operated in a central role initially then shifted wider once a teammate came on. 7
The defender Pushed up the pitch on the ball, something he's known for in the past. At times was too casual when carrying play with the approach discontinued at half-time. 6
The tall defender Always dangerous at set pieces, per usual, but may be another option for Stones in the backline rather than alongside him. A loose pass in the second half nearly resulted in a goal from Albania. 6
The young full-back Another assured showing from the rising star following his initial appearance against another side. Saka did not capitalize on the most of a clever backheel behind the Albania defence. The role is his to lose so soon. Seven
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning with the national team. A bit careless when playing out but his whipped set-pieces caused problems. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to have against teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a rash foul. 6
The midfielder Set-pieces from corners and free-kicks created chances. Was given freedom to roam down the left flank but was in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Awarded a well-earned substitution around the 60-minute point. Six
Jude Bellingham Played in an advanced role on the right and also put in the hard yards. Showed flashes of quality but dragged an attempt wide. Withdrawn towards the end by a teammate, his rival, after being booked. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Had England’s best chance in the opening period, his strike well saved by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate hanging back, he was forced to stretch the play on the right but his crosses into the box were inconsistent. Replaced late in the match. 6/10
Harry Kane The decisive figure netting seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes for his country. His first a trademark opportunist's goal and his next an excellent header after peeling away off his defender. At 32, he continues to improve and England have every chance in future competitions with him leading the line. Eight
The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact out wide. Had a good opening following a pass by the midfielder but the keeper denied him. His replacement had a greater influence after coming on. 5
Substitutes
- Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively and linked up seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities but his corner provided the opener, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Active when brought on and provided Kane’s second via an excellent ball into the area, Seven
- Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable so soon, 6/10
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six