Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match
During a commanding showing, England wrapped up a further triumph against Albania, featuring several squad members delivering notable displays during the match.
Starting Lineup
The goalkeeper Not a save to perform during the opening 45 but then tested by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. A sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker demonstrated sharp anticipation. 6/10
The debutant Challenged against the opposition's primary attacker in Hoxha. Operated through the middle early on then shifted wider after Saka entered the fray. Seven
The defender Pushed forward when in possession, something he's known for previously. Sometimes seemed hesitant on the ball with the approach abandoned by the interval. Six
Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, perhaps is another option to his teammate in the backline rather than his partner. A careless distribution after the break nearly resulted in an opener for Albania. Six
The young full-back Another assured showing from the rising star after his debut against another side. A teammate was unable to take the opportunity from an exquisite backheel over the opposing backline. The left-back spot looks secure already. 7/10
Adam Wharton His first start in an England shirt. Somewhat careless on the ball however his whipped deliveries posed a danger. A handy tempo-setter for the boss to have versus teams who drop deep. Booked for a rash challenge. Six
The midfielder Crosses on corner kicks and set-plays were dangerous. Had license to move in left midfield only to be in an offside position upon receiving in shooting positions. Awarded a well-earned substitution on the hour mark. 6
Jude Bellingham Played in a forward spot down the right and contributed with dirty work. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance but scuffed an attempt high. Substituted late on by a teammate, his competition, following a yellow card. 7
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity before halftime, his effort smartly stopped by the Albanian keeper. With Quansah hanging back, it fell to him to stretch the play out wide although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off with 15 to go. 6
Harry Kane The decisive figure scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals at international level. His first a trademark close-range tap-in and his next an excellent headed goal following a clever run away from the opposition. At 32, he continues to improve and the side stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. Eight
Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play from the left. Had a good opening when set up from a teammate however Strakosha kept it out. His replacement had a greater effect when substituted. Five
Bench Players
- Foden (for a teammate 63) Looked lively and linked up well with the striker in more familiar role, Six
- Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Spurned chances although his set-piece provided the breakthrough, 6
- Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Active upon introduction and set up Kane’s second via an excellent ball to the far post, 7
- Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable so soon, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6/10
