Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
Throughout a commanding performance, the English national team secured a further triumph against their opponents, featuring multiple players delivering memorable displays on the pitch.
First-choice XI
Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to perform during the opening 45 but then tested by an opponent's bent shot. His sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker highlighted sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Challenged against the opposition's main danger in Hoxha. Operated in a central role initially but moved wider once Saka entered the fray. 7
The defender Pushed into midfield when in possession, as he has done previously. On occasion lacked urgency on the ball and the tactic abandoned at half-time. 6/10
Dan Burn A nuisance at set pieces, per usual, but may be a replacement for his teammate at the back rather than his partner. A loose distribution later in the match nearly resulted in the first goal from the visitors. Six
The young full-back One more assured display from the youngster after his first cap against Serbia. Saka was unable to take the most of an exquisite backheel over the opposing backline. His position is his to lose already. 7
The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. A bit sloppy on the ball but his dangerous set-pieces caused problems. An effective game manager for the coach to call upon versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed challenge. Six
Declan Rice Crosses on corner kicks and free kicks created chances. Was given room to move on the left but was in an offside position when the ball arrived in front of goal. Awarded a merited break after an hour. 6
Jude Bellingham Played in an advanced spot out wide and also put in the hard yards. Showed moments of class but mishit a shot high. Substituted towards the end by a teammate, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7
The winger Had England’s best chance of the first half, his effort smartly stopped from Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah holding position, he was forced to stretch the play out wide although his balls into the box were hit and miss. Replaced late in the match. 6/10
The captain The decisive figure scoring 77th and 78th finishes in an England shirt. His first a trademark close-range tap-in and the second an excellent headed goal after peeling away from his marker. Now 32, he’s only getting better and the side stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him leading the line. Eight
The attacker Had difficulty to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass by the midfielder yet Strakosha made the save. Rashford had a greater influence when substituted. 5
Replacements
- Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Was bright connecting seamlessly with Kane in a natural spot, 6
- Bukayo Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece created the opener, 6
- Rashford (for Bowen 75) Lively after coming on and provided the second goal with superb cross to the far post, 7/10
- Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable at this level, Six
- Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, 6