Player Ratings: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifier
During a commanding performance, the English national team secured a further victory against their opponents, featuring a number of players delivering memorable performances throughout the game.
First-choice Eleven
Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to make before the break before called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. A sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker highlighted sharp anticipation. 6/10
Jarell Quansah Examined against Albania’s primary attacker through Hoxha. Operated more centrally initially but moved to the flank after Saka entered the fray. 7/10
The defender Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, as he has done before. On occasion was too casual when carrying play and the experiment was shelved after the break. 6/10
The tall defender Always dangerous on corners and free-kicks, as always, but may be another option to his teammate in defense rather than paired with him. A loose ball later in the match nearly resulted in a goal from the visitors. Six
Nico O’Reilly Another assured performance from the youngster following his debut versus another side. Saka did not capitalize on the most of a clever backheel behind the opposing backline. His position is his to lose at this stage. 7/10
Adam Wharton His first start for his country. Slightly sloppy on the ball though his whipped corners posed a danger. A useful tempo-setter available to the coach to call upon against defensive opponents. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. 6/10
The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and free kicks created chances. Enjoyed freedom to drift on the left only to be offside as the pass came in front of goal. Granted a deserved break after an hour. Six
The star midfielder Functioned in a forward spot out wide while also did plenty of defensive duties. Showed glimpses of brilliance and dragged an attempt wide. Withdrawn late on by a teammate, his rival, after being booked. 7
Jarrod Bowen Had the team's best chance of the first half, his strike well saved from Thomas Strakosha. With a teammate staying deep, it fell to him to stretch the play out wide but his crosses into the box varied in quality. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. 6
The captain The difference-maker with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes for his country. His first a typical opportunist's goal and the second an excellent headed goal after peeling away from his marker. Now 32, his form is unwavering with the national team stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him up top. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play out wide. Had a decent opportunity after being played in by Bellingham but the keeper kept it out. His replacement produced a bigger effect when substituted. 5
Substitutes
- Phil Foden (for a teammate 63) Was bright and combined seamlessly with Kane in more familiar role, 6
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze 63) Failed to convert but his corner created the breakthrough, Six
- Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Lively after coming on and provided Kane’s second with superb cross to the far post, 7
- Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Seems settled already, Six
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to make an impact, 6/10