Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier

During a impressive performance, England wrapped up one more triumph against their opponents, featuring several players producing standout performances during the match.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to make during the opening 45 until called into action from an opponent's bent shot. His sliding tackle on Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp anticipation. 6/10

The debutant Examined by Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Started in a central role initially then shifted to the flank after a teammate entered the fray. 7/10

John Stones Moved up the pitch with the ball at his feet, something he's known for before. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball and the experiment abandoned at half-time. 6

The tall defender Always dangerous on corners and free-kicks, per usual, but may be an alternative to Stones at the back rather than paired with him. A loose ball after the break nearly resulted in an opener from Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly One more composed showing from the youngster after his debut against another side. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch behind the opposing backline. The left-back spot is firmly his already. 7/10

Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. Slightly sloppy when playing out but his dangerous corners were a threat. A useful tempo-setter for the manager to call upon versus sides that sit back. Booked for a rash tackle. 6/10

Declan Rice Crosses from corners and free-kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed freedom to move down the left flank only to be offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Awarded a merited rest around the 60-minute point. 6

The star midfielder Played in an advanced spot out wide and contributed with defensive duties. Showed flashes of quality but dragged a shot high. Replaced late on by Rogers, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s best chance before halftime, his shot well saved by the Albanian keeper. As Quansah holding position, he was forced to provide width on the right although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. Six

Harry Kane The decisive figure scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals for his country. His first a typical poacher’s finish while the second an excellent headed goal having drifted away from his marker. At 32, his form is unwavering and England stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to make an impact out wide. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass from a teammate yet Strakosha kept it out. Rashford produced a bigger influence in his place. 5/10

Replacements

  • Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively and combined seamlessly with the striker in a preferred position, Six
  • Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Missed opportunities but his corner led to the opener, 6/10
  • Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Lively when brought on and set up the second goal with superb cross to the far post, Seven
  • Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Seems settled already, 6
  • Rogers (for the star 84) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6/10
Richard Stevens
Richard Stevens

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