Player Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match
In a impressive performance, England secured one more triumph against Albania, featuring a number of players turning in memorable performances during the match.
Starting XI
The goalkeeper Not a save required during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. One well-timed sliding tackle against an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent reading of the game. Six out of ten
The debutant Challenged by Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Operated in a central role early on later drifted to the flank once a teammate came on. 7
John Stones Moved forward on the ball, as he has done in the past. On occasion was too casual in possession and the experiment abandoned at half-time. 6/10
The tall defender A nuisance from dead balls, per usual, could serve as a replacement for his teammate in defense rather than alongside him. A careless ball after the break almost led to a goal from the visitors. 6/10
The young full-back One more confident showing from the youngster after his first cap against Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from a gorgeous flick over the opposing backline. His position is his to lose so soon. 7/10
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning in an England shirt. Slightly loose in possession but his inswinging corners were a threat. A useful pace-controller for the coach to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed challenge. 6/10
The midfielder Crosses on corner kicks and set-plays were dangerous. Was given license to roam down the left flank only to be in an offside position when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a merited substitution on the hour mark. 6
The star midfielder Operated in a high spot out wide and did plenty of dirty work. Demonstrated flashes of quality but mishit an effort high. Replaced late on by a teammate, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. Seven
The winger Was presented with England’s best chance before halftime, his effort well saved from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate holding position, it fell to him to provide width on the right but his crosses from the touchline were hit and miss. Substituted late in the match. 6/10
The captain The decisive figure netting 77th and 78th strikes for his country. The opener a typical opportunist's goal and the second an excellent finish with his head following a clever run off his defender. At 32, he continues to improve and the side stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. 8/10
The attacker Found it tough to influence play from the left. Had a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate but Strakosha denied him. Rashford produced a bigger influence after coming on. Five
Replacements
- Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Looked lively and linked up effectively with Kane in a natural spot, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Spurned chances but his corner led to the opener, Six
- Rashford (for the attacker 75) Active when brought on and provided Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7
- Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Seems settled at this level, Six
- Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to influence the game, 6