Player Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifier
In a dominant performance, the English national team secured one more win versus their opponents, featuring multiple players producing memorable performances on the pitch.
First-choice Eleven
The goalkeeper Not a save to perform in the first half but then called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding tackle on an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent reading of the game. 6/10
The debutant Challenged by Albania’s main danger through their forward. Operated in a central role initially later drifted wider after Saka was introduced. Seven
The defender Pushed forward on the ball, something he's known for before. Sometimes seemed hesitant in possession and the tactic discontinued after the break. Six
Dan Burn A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, as always, but may be another option to Stones at the back rather than alongside him. A loose distribution after the break almost led to the first goal from Albania. Six
The young full-back Another confident performance from the 20-year-old after his debut versus another side. Saka was unable to take the most of an exquisite touch over the opposing backline. The role is his to lose at this stage. 7
The newcomer A debut start with the national team. Slightly loose when playing out though his whipped deliveries posed a danger. A useful pace-controller available to the coach to utilize against defensive opponents. Booked for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10
Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and free kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed room to drift down the left flank yet found himself in an offside position 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 down the right and also did plenty of dirty work. Demonstrated moments of class but mishit an effort high. Withdrawn towards the end for Rogers, a fellow player, after being booked. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's best chance of the first half, his shot excellently kept out from Thomas Strakosha. With a teammate hanging back, he had to provide width out wide yet his deliveries from the touchline were hit and miss. Substituted late in the match. 6
The captain The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th finishes for his country. The first a trademark opportunist's goal and the second a classy headed goal following a clever run away from the opposition. Aged 32, he’s only getting better with the national team stand a real opportunity next summer with him leading the line. 8/10
The attacker Had difficulty to get into the game out wide. Had a decent opportunity following a pass from a teammate but the keeper kept it out. Rashford had a greater influence in his place. Five
Bench Players
- Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Appeared sharp and combined seamlessly with the striker in a natural spot, Six
- Saka (on for Eze 63) Missed opportunities yet his delivery created the breakthrough, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Active after coming on assisting Kane’s second with superb cross to the far post, 7
- Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established already, Six
- Morgan Rogers (for the star 84) Not enough time to make an impact, 6