Squad Evaluations: England Triumph Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in International Qualifier

During a dominant showing, England clinched a further win against their opponents, featuring several squad members producing standout displays throughout the game.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to perform in the first half until forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention against an Albanian attacker highlighted his game intelligence. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Challenged against Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Played more centrally to begin with then shifted wider once Saka was introduced. 7

John Stones Pushed up the pitch on the ball, as he has done previously. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball and the approach abandoned by the interval. Six

Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, could serve as an alternative to his teammate in the backline as opposed to paired with him. A loose distribution later in the match nearly resulted in the first goal from Albania. 6/10

The young full-back A further composed display from the 20-year-old following his first cap versus Serbia. A teammate was unable to take the opportunity from an exquisite flick over their defense. The role looks secure so soon. 7/10

Adam Wharton A debut start with the national team. Slightly loose when playing out though his dangerous set-pieces caused problems. A handy tempo-setter available to the boss to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Booked for a poorly timed challenge. 6

Declan Rice Set-pieces from dead balls and set-plays created chances. Was given room to move on the left yet found himself in an offside position upon receiving in front of goal. Granted a well-earned break after an hour. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Played in a high role down the right and also put in defensive duties. Demonstrated moments of class and dragged a shot wide. Withdrawn late on by a teammate, his competition, after receiving a caution. 7

The winger Was presented with England’s best chance before halftime, his shot excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. With a teammate staying deep, it fell to him to offer an outlet out wide although his balls into the box varied in quality. Substituted with 15 to go. Six

The captain The match-winner with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes in an England shirt. His first a trademark poacher’s finish and his next an excellent headed goal having drifted away away from the opposition. At 32, his form is unwavering and England have every chance in future competitions with him up top. 8/10

The attacker Struggled to influence play on the left flank. Had a good opening when set up by the midfielder yet Strakosha denied him. Rashford had a greater an impact when substituted. 5/10

Replacements

  • Foden (replacing Rice 63) Was bright and combined seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, Six
  • Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities although his set-piece created the first goal, 6/10
  • Rashford (for Bowen 75) Active upon introduction assisting the second goal via an excellent ball to the far post, 7
  • Elliot Anderson (for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable at this level, 6
  • Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6
Paula Morgan
Paula Morgan

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