Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
During a dominant showing, England secured a further victory against Albania, with a number of players producing standout displays on the pitch.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save to perform during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene by an opponent's curled attempt. A sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker highlighted excellent anticipation. 6/10
The debutant Tested against the opposition's primary attacker through their forward. Started in a central role early on later drifted out wide after Saka was introduced. Seven
The defender Moved forward with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. Sometimes seemed hesitant when carrying play with the experiment discontinued by the interval. Six
The tall defender Always dangerous at set pieces, as always, perhaps is a replacement to his teammate at the back as opposed to his partner. A careless distribution after the break came close to the first goal for Albania. 6
Nico O’Reilly Another assured display by the 20-year-old following his first cap against Serbia. Saka failed to make the opportunity from an exquisite touch behind their defense. The role is firmly his already. 7/10
Adam Wharton His first start for his country. A bit loose when playing out though his inswinging corners posed a danger. A handy tempo-setter for the boss to utilize against teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a poorly timed foul. Six
The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and free kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed freedom to move on the left only to be in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Granted a well-earned break around the 60-minute point. Six
The star midfielder Played in a forward position down the right and did plenty of defensive duties. Demonstrated flashes of quality and mishit a shot over. Replaced towards the end by Rogers, his competition, after being booked. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Had England’s clearest opportunity before halftime, his shot well saved from the opposing goalkeeper. With Quansah staying deep, he had to stretch the play down the right side yet his deliveries from the touchline were hit and miss. Taken off late in the match. 6
Harry Kane The decisive figure scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals for his country. The opener a trademark poacher’s finish while the second a classy headed goal following a clever run from his marker. Aged 32, his form is unwavering with the national team are strong contenders next summer with him leading the line. Eight
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to influence play out wide. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate however Strakosha made the save. Rashford made much more of an impact in his place. 5
Bench Players
- Phil Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Was bright and combined well with Kane in a preferred position, 6
- Saka (for Eze 63) Missed opportunities but his corner created the breakthrough, 6
- Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Energetic upon introduction assisting the second goal via an excellent ball to the far post, 7
- Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Looks established at this level, 6
- Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6