Squad Assessments: England Triumph Secured by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier

During a dominant performance, the English national team clinched another win versus their opponents, with a number of players delivering notable performances on the pitch.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to perform during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. A sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker showed sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Tested against the opposition's primary attacker in Hoxha. Operated through the middle early on later drifted wider after Saka was introduced. 7

John Stones Moved up the pitch with the ball at his feet, a familiar role in the past. Sometimes seemed hesitant when carrying play and the experiment abandoned at half-time. 6

The tall defender A nuisance at set pieces, as always, but may be a replacement to his teammate in the backline as opposed to alongside him. A loose distribution after the break came close to the first goal from Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly One more confident display from the 20-year-old following his debut against Serbia. Saka failed to make full advantage of a gorgeous flick over the opposing backline. His position is firmly his already. 7/10

Adam Wharton A debut start with the national team. Somewhat loose when playing out though his inswinging deliveries were a threat. A handy tempo-setter for the boss to call upon versus teams who drop deep. Booked for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10

Declan Rice Deliveries on corner kicks and free kicks caused problems. Had room to move down the left flank only to be in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Given a well-earned substitution on the hour mark. 6

Jude Bellingham Played in a high spot down the right while also contributed with dirty work. Displayed moments of class and scuffed a shot high. Replaced late on by Rogers, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. 7/10

Jarrod Bowen Had the team's best chance of the first half, his strike excellently kept out by the Albanian keeper. With a teammate staying deep, he had to provide width out wide yet his deliveries from the touchline were hit and miss. Replaced late in the match. Six

The captain The difference-maker scoring 77th and 78th strikes for his country. The first a trademark close-range tap-in and his next a classy header having drifted away away from the opposition. At 32, he’s only getting better and the side stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. 8

The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact out wide. Was presented with a good opening following a pass by Bellingham however the keeper made the save. His replacement produced a bigger effect in his place. Five

Replacements

  • Phil Foden (for a teammate 63) Was bright and combined well with Kane in more familiar role, 6/10
  • Saka (on for Eze 63) Spurned chances although his set-piece created the opener, 6
  • Rashford (for Bowen 75) Active upon introduction and provided Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7
  • Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable already, 6
  • Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to make an impact, 6
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Yesenia Clark

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