Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Win Secured by Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
In a impressive display, the English national team clinched one more victory against Albania, featuring several players turning in memorable performances on the pitch.
First-choice Lineup
Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to make before the break before tested by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding intervention against an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent anticipation. 6/10
The debutant Tested against Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Operated through the middle to begin with then shifted out wide once a teammate was introduced. 7
John Stones Moved forward on the ball, as he has done in the past. At times seemed hesitant on the ball with the experiment discontinued at half-time. 6/10
The tall defender A constant threat from dead balls, per usual, perhaps is another option to Stones in the backline instead of paired with him. A loose distribution in the second half almost led to an opener from the visitors. 6/10
The young full-back A further confident performance by the youngster after his debut versus Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from an exquisite backheel over the Albania defence. The role is his to lose already. 7
The newcomer His first start for his country. A bit sloppy on the ball but his inswinging corners were a threat. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to have versus teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10
Declan Rice Crosses from corners and free-kicks were dangerous. Was given room to move on the left but was in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Given a deserved break on the hour mark. 6
The star midfielder Operated in a high position on the right while also did plenty of dirty work. Displayed flashes of quality but dragged an attempt high. Withdrawn in the closing stages for a teammate, his competition, after being booked. Seven
The winger Was presented with England’s best chance of the first half, his strike excellently kept out by the opposing goalkeeper. As Quansah hanging back, he was forced to stretch the play down the right side although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6
The captain The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th strikes for his country. The first a typical close-range tap-in and his next an excellent header after peeling away off his defender. At 32, he continues to improve and the side are strong contenders in future competitions with him up top. Eight
The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact on the left flank. Was presented with a good opening following a pass from a teammate yet the keeper kept it out. Rashford had a greater effect in his place. Five
Bench Players
- Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in more familiar role, 6
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze 63) Spurned chances but his corner provided the opener, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Energetic when brought on and set up Kane’s second with superb cross to the far post, 7/10
- Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled so soon, 6
- Rogers (replacing the star 84) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6/10