Squad Evaluations: England Win Sealed by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match

During a impressive display, England wrapped up another victory versus their opponents, featuring a number of squad members turning in standout performances during the match.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson Not a save required during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker highlighted his reading of the game. 6/10

The debutant Examined by Albania’s main danger in their forward. Played more centrally to begin with but moved to the flank after Saka was introduced. 7

John Stones Pushed up the pitch when in possession, as he has done in the past. Sometimes was too casual in possession and the tactic discontinued after the break. Six

The tall defender A constant threat at set pieces, as always, perhaps is a replacement to his teammate in the backline instead of paired with him. A careless ball later in the match nearly resulted in an opener from Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly Another assured performance by the rising star following his debut versus Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from a clever touch over the opposing backline. The role is firmly his so soon. Seven

Adam Wharton A debut start in an England shirt. Slightly loose on the ball though his inswinging deliveries posed a danger. An effective game manager available to the coach to utilize against teams who drop deep. Booked for a rash foul. 6

The midfielder Crosses on corner kicks and set-plays caused problems. Had freedom to roam on the left only to be offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Given a well-earned break around the 60-minute point. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Played in a high position out wide and also did plenty of the hard yards. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance and dragged an effort over. Substituted in the closing stages for a teammate, his competition, after being booked. 7

Jarrod Bowen Had the team's clearest opportunity of the first half, his shot well saved by the Albanian keeper. With Quansah staying deep, he had to stretch the play out wide but his crosses from wide areas were hit and miss. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6

Harry Kane The decisive figure with his two more finishes for his country. The first a trademark opportunist's goal and his next an excellent headed goal following a clever run from his marker. Now 32, he’s only getting better and England stand a real opportunity in future competitions when he's in the team. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to influence play on the left flank. Had a good opening when set up from a teammate but Strakosha made the save. Rashford had a greater influence when substituted. Five

Bench Players

  • Phil Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Was bright and combined well with Kane in more familiar role, 6/10
  • Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances yet his delivery created the opener, 6/10
  • Marcus Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Lively after coming on assisting the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the back post, Seven
  • Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Looks established at this level, 6/10
  • Rogers (replacing the star 84) Not enough time to affect things, 6
Mary Lowe
Mary Lowe

A forward-thinking tech enthusiast and writer, passionate about AI ethics and emerging technologies, with a background in software development and digital strategy.