Player Evaluations: England Win Sealed by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match
Throughout a dominant display, England secured a further win against their opponents, featuring several players delivering memorable displays on the pitch.
First-choice Eleven
The goalkeeper Had little to do to perform in the first half until called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. One well-timed sliding tackle on an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Challenged by the opposition's biggest threat in Hoxha. Played more centrally initially later drifted wider once Saka was introduced. 7/10
John Stones Moved into midfield on the ball, as he has done in the past. Sometimes was too casual when carrying play and the experiment was shelved by the interval. 6/10
The tall defender A constant threat from dead balls, typically, but may be another option for his teammate in defense rather than alongside him. One wayward distribution in the second half came close to an opener from Albania. Six
Nico O’Reilly One more composed showing from the youngster following his first cap against Serbia. A teammate was unable to take the most of an exquisite touch over their defense. His position looks secure at this stage. 7
Adam Wharton A debut start in an England shirt. A bit loose on the ball though his dangerous deliveries caused problems. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to call upon versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a rash tackle. 6
The midfielder Crosses from dead balls and free kicks created chances. Had room to roam in left midfield yet found himself in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Given a well-earned rest on the hour mark. 6/10
Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high spot down the right and also contributed with defensive duties. Demonstrated moments of class but dragged an attempt wide. Replaced in the closing stages for a teammate, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. 7
The winger Was presented with the team's best chance before halftime, his effort excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah staying deep, he had to provide width out wide although his balls into the box were inconsistent. Replaced with 15 to go. Six
The captain The difference-maker netting 77th and 78th finishes for his country. His first a classic opportunist's goal while the second an excellent finish with his head having drifted away from his marker. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and England are strong contenders in future competitions with him up top. 8
The attacker Found it tough to influence play from the left. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass from a teammate however the keeper denied him. His replacement made much more of influence when substituted. Five
Replacements
- Phil Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and combined seamlessly with the striker in a preferred position, 6
- Bukayo Saka (on for the winger 63) Missed opportunities although his set-piece created the first goal, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Energetic when brought on assisting the captain's brace via an excellent ball into the area, 7
- Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Looks established already, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to make an impact, 6