Player Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Double in International Qualifier

In a dominant showing, the English national team secured one more victory against Albania, featuring a number of players turning in memorable displays during the match.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to make during the opening 45 until called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding intervention against Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Examined by the opposition's main danger in Hoxha. Played more centrally to begin with then shifted to the flank after Saka was introduced. 7

John Stones Moved up the pitch when in possession, something he's known for before. Sometimes lacked urgency in possession and the experiment discontinued by the interval. Six

The tall defender A nuisance from dead balls, as always, perhaps is another option for his teammate in the backline rather than paired with him. A loose distribution in the second half nearly resulted in an opener for Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly Another confident performance from the rising star after his initial appearance versus another side. Saka was unable to take the most of a gorgeous touch behind their defense. The role looks secure at this stage. Seven

Adam Wharton His maiden beginning in an England shirt. A bit sloppy when playing out however his dangerous deliveries posed a danger. An effective pace-controller for the coach to call upon against sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a rash challenge. 6

Declan Rice Set-pieces from dead balls and free-kicks created chances. Had freedom to drift on the left yet found himself offside when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a well-earned rest on the hour mark. Six

Jude Bellingham Played in a high spot on the right while also contributed with the hard yards. Demonstrated moments of class but mishit a shot wide. Withdrawn late on for a teammate, a fellow player, following a yellow card. 7

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening before halftime, his shot excellently kept out from Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah hanging back, he had to offer an outlet on the right yet his deliveries into the box were hit and miss. Taken off with 15 to go. 6/10

Harry Kane The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th goals for his country. His first a typical close-range tap-in and his next a superb header following a clever run off his defender. Aged 32, he continues to improve with the national team have every chance next summer with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play on the left flank. Was presented with a good opening after being played in from a teammate however the keeper made the save. His replacement made much more of an impact in his place. Five

Substitutes

  • Foden (replacing Rice 63) Appeared sharp and linked up well with the striker in a natural spot, 6/10
  • Bukayo Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner created the first goal, 6/10
  • Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Energetic after coming on and set up Kane’s second with superb cross to the back post, 7/10
  • Elliot Anderson (for Wharton 75) Seems settled so soon, Six
  • Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to influence the game, 6
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