Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Victory Sealed by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match

In a commanding display, England wrapped up a further win versus Albania, with several players turning in notable performances during the match.

Starting Lineup

The goalkeeper Not a save to make during the opening 45 but then called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding tackle against Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Tested by Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Started more centrally early on but moved out wide once a teammate came on. Seven

The defender Moved into midfield on the ball, a familiar role in the past. On occasion seemed hesitant in possession and the experiment was shelved at half-time. Six

The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, typically, could serve as a replacement for his teammate in defense instead of paired with him. A loose pass after the break almost led to an opener from the visitors. Six

Nico O’Reilly A further composed performance by the youngster after his first cap against Serbia. Saka was unable to take the opportunity from a clever backheel behind their defense. The role is firmly his so soon. 7/10

Adam Wharton A debut start with the national team. Somewhat loose on the ball but his dangerous set-pieces posed a danger. A useful tempo-setter for the coach to call upon against sides that sit back. Booked for a rash foul. 6/10

The midfielder Set-pieces from corners and set-plays created chances. Was given room to roam on the left only to be offside as the pass came in front of goal. Given a merited break after an hour. 6/10

The star midfielder Played in a high position on the right and also put in the hard yards. Showed moments of class but dragged an attempt wide. Substituted towards the end by Rogers, his rival, following a yellow card. 7

The winger Had England’s top opening before halftime, his strike excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. With Quansah hanging back, he had to stretch the play on the right but his crosses into the box were inconsistent. Replaced late in the match. 6/10

The captain The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th finishes for his country. The first a classic close-range tap-in while the second an excellent finish with his head after peeling away off his defender. Now 32, he continues to improve with the national team are strong contenders in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Found it tough to get into the game from the left. Was presented with a presentable chance when set up by Bellingham yet Strakosha kept it out. Rashford produced a bigger an impact in his place. Five

Replacements

  • Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively and combined well with the striker in a preferred position, 6
  • Bukayo Saka (on for the winger 63) Spurned chances yet his delivery provided the opener, 6
  • Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Lively upon introduction and provided the second goal via an excellent ball to the back post, Seven
  • Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Looks established at this level, Six
  • Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Not enough time to influence the game, 6
Austin Fernandez
Austin Fernandez

A senior signal processing engineer with over 15 years of experience in telecommunications research and development.