Squad Assessments: England Win Secured by Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
In a commanding display, the English national team clinched a further win against Albania, with several players turning in standout performances during the match.
First-choice Lineup
The goalkeeper Had little to do to make in the first half until forced to intervene by an opponent's bent shot. One well-timed sliding challenge against Qazim Laci showed excellent game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Examined against the opposition's biggest threat through their forward. Started through the middle to begin with later drifted wider once a teammate was introduced. Seven
John Stones Advanced forward on the ball, a familiar role in the past. On occasion seemed hesitant on the ball and the experiment was shelved at half-time. Six
The tall defender A constant threat at set pieces, as always, perhaps is a replacement for his teammate in defense rather than alongside him. A careless distribution later in the match nearly resulted in a goal from the visitors. 6
The young full-back A further confident performance from the rising star after his first cap versus another side. Saka failed to make the opportunity from an exquisite flick over the Albania defence. The role looks secure so soon. Seven
Adam Wharton His first start in an England shirt. Slightly sloppy on the ball however his whipped deliveries caused problems. A handy tempo-setter for the coach to utilize versus defensive opponents. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. Six
The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and free-kicks caused problems. Enjoyed license to roam in left midfield but was offside as the pass came in front of goal. Granted a merited substitution around the 60-minute point. Six
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high position out wide and did plenty of defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance and mishit a shot high. Withdrawn towards the end for a teammate, his rival, following a yellow card. 7
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's best chance of the first half, his shot excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. With a teammate holding position, he had to provide width out wide although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off late in the match. 6/10
Harry Kane The difference-maker with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes for his country. The opener a typical close-range tap-in and his next a superb finish with his head following a clever run from his marker. Aged 32, he continues to improve and England stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8
The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact from the left. Was presented with a presentable chance when set up by the midfielder however the keeper kept it out. Rashford made much more of effect in his place. 5
Replacements
- Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively and linked up seamlessly with Kane in a preferred position, 6
- Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities yet his delivery provided the opener, Six
- Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Active after coming on assisting the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7/10
- Anderson (for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable already, 6/10
- Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Not enough time to affect things, 6/10