Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Harry Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match

In a dominant performance, England clinched a further victory against Albania, featuring several players producing standout performances on the pitch.

First-choice Lineup

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to make before the break but then tested by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. A sliding tackle on an Albanian attacker highlighted excellent reading of the game. 6/10

The debutant Challenged by Albania’s primary attacker in Hoxha. Played in a central role to begin with but moved wider after a teammate entered the fray. 7/10

John Stones Moved forward on the ball, as he has done before. On occasion lacked urgency when carrying play and the tactic discontinued at half-time. Six

The tall defender A nuisance at set pieces, per usual, perhaps is a replacement for Stones in defense rather than his partner. A careless ball in the second half came close to a goal from the visitors. 6/10

The young full-back One more assured display by the youngster after his debut against Serbia. Saka was unable to take full advantage of an exquisite touch over the opposing backline. His position is his to lose already. 7

Adam Wharton His maiden beginning in an England shirt. Slightly careless in possession but his whipped corners caused problems. A handy game manager available to the manager to call upon versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10

Declan Rice Crosses from corners and set-plays were dangerous. Was given freedom to roam on the left only to be in an offside position upon receiving in front of goal. Awarded a merited break after an hour. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Operated in a high spot on the right while also contributed with the hard yards. Displayed flashes of quality and scuffed an attempt wide. Withdrawn late on for a teammate, his competition, after being booked. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Had England’s clearest opportunity before halftime, his strike smartly stopped from Thomas Strakosha. With a teammate holding position, it fell to him to stretch the play on the right although his balls from wide areas were inconsistent. Taken off late in the match. Six

The captain The decisive figure with his 77th and 78th goals at international level. The first a classic opportunist's goal and his next a superb finish with his head having drifted away off his defender. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance in future competitions when he's in the team. Eight

Eberechi Eze Found it tough to get into the game from the left. Was presented with a decent opportunity when set up by the midfielder but the keeper kept it out. His replacement made much more of an impact in his place. 5

Substitutes

  • Phil Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Looked lively and linked up seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, 6
  • Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Failed to convert yet his delivery provided the opener, 6/10
  • Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Lively after coming on assisting the second goal with superb cross to the back post, 7
  • Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable at this level, 6
  • Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Insufficient minutes to make an impact, Six
Chelsea Ortega
Chelsea Ortega

Award-winning film critic with over a decade of experience covering international cinema and festival circuits.