Player Assessments: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match
In a commanding showing, England clinched one more triumph versus their opponents, featuring multiple players delivering standout performances throughout the game.
Starting XI
Dean Henderson Not a save required during the opening 45 until called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding tackle against Qazim Laci highlighted excellent game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Tested against Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Operated more centrally to begin with but moved wider once a teammate was introduced. 7/10
The defender Advanced up the pitch with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. Sometimes seemed hesitant on the ball with the approach abandoned after the break. 6
The tall defender A nuisance at set pieces, typically, perhaps is a replacement to his teammate in the backline rather than his partner. A careless distribution later in the match nearly resulted in an opener for the visitors. 6
Nico O’Reilly A further confident display from the rising star following his initial appearance versus Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on full advantage of a gorgeous backheel behind their defense. His position looks secure already. 7/10
Adam Wharton His first start for his country. A bit sloppy when playing out but his dangerous corners caused problems. A useful tempo-setter for the coach to call upon against defensive opponents. Cautioned for a rash foul. 6
The midfielder Set-pieces from corners and free kicks created chances. Was given license to drift down the left flank but was in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Granted a deserved rest after an hour. 6/10
Jude Bellingham Operated in an advanced spot down the right while also did plenty of the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality but dragged a shot wide. Replaced late on by a teammate, his rival, after being booked. 7/10
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's best chance in the opening period, his shot excellently kept out by Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah hanging back, he was forced to offer an outlet down the right side but his crosses into the box were inconsistent. Substituted late in the match. 6
Harry Kane The decisive figure with his 77th and 78th finishes for his country. The opener a trademark poacher’s finish while the second a superb header following a clever run away from the opposition. Aged 32, he continues to improve with the national team stand a real opportunity next summer with him up top. 8/10
The attacker Found it tough to influence play out wide. Was presented with a decent opportunity after being played in by the midfielder however Strakosha made the save. Rashford produced a bigger influence in his place. Five
Replacements
- Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively and linked up effectively with the striker in a preferred position, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities although his set-piece created the breakthrough, 6
- Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Energetic after coming on assisting Kane’s second via an excellent ball to the far post, Seven
- Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable already, Six
- Rogers (replacing Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to make an impact, 6/10