Player Assessments: England Win Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
During a commanding display, the English national team secured another victory versus their opponents, with several players turning in standout performances throughout the game.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save to perform in the first half until tested from an opponent's bent shot. A sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker highlighted excellent reading of the game. Six out of ten
The debutant Examined against the opposition's biggest threat through Hoxha. Played through the middle to begin with later drifted wider after a teammate entered the fray. Seven
The defender Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. Sometimes lacked urgency when carrying play and the approach was shelved by the interval. 6/10
The tall defender Always dangerous on corners and free-kicks, per usual, perhaps is an alternative for his teammate in the backline as opposed to paired with him. One wayward distribution later in the match almost led to a goal from Albania. 6
Nico O’Reilly A further confident showing by the 20-year-old following his debut versus Serbia. A teammate was unable to take full advantage of a clever flick over the opposing backline. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. 7/10
The newcomer A debut start for his country. A bit loose when playing out though his dangerous corners caused problems. A handy pace-controller available to the boss to have versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. 6/10
Declan Rice Set-pieces from corners and set-plays caused problems. Was given license to move on the left but was offside upon receiving in shooting positions. Awarded a merited rest around the 60-minute point. 6
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a forward role out wide while also put in dirty work. Displayed glimpses of brilliance but mishit an attempt wide. Withdrawn towards the end by Rogers, his competition, after being booked. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Had England’s best chance in the opening period, his shot smartly stopped by Thomas Strakosha. As a teammate hanging back, he was forced to stretch the play on the right yet his deliveries from the touchline were hit and miss. Replaced late in the match. 6/10
Harry Kane The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes in an England shirt. The first a trademark opportunist's goal and his next a classy finish with his head having drifted away away from the opposition. Aged 32, his form is unwavering and the side are strong contenders next summer when he's in the team. Eight
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to make an impact from the left. Was presented with a decent opportunity following a pass by Bellingham however the keeper made the save. Rashford produced a bigger an impact when substituted. 5
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Was bright and combined effectively with the striker in more familiar role, Six
- Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Spurned chances yet his delivery provided the breakthrough, 6/10
- Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Lively when brought on and provided Kane’s second via an excellent ball into the area, 7
- Anderson (for Wharton 75) Seems settled already, 6
- Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6