Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match
During a impressive showing, England secured another win versus Albania, with a number of squad members producing notable performances throughout the game.
Starting XI
The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to make in the first half before forced to intervene from an opponent's curled attempt. One well-timed sliding intervention against an Albanian attacker demonstrated his game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Tested by the opposition's biggest threat through Hoxha. Played in a central role initially but moved to the flank once Saka came on. 7
John Stones Moved into midfield when in possession, as he has done in the past. At times was too casual in possession and the tactic was shelved by the interval. 6
Dan Burn Always dangerous at set pieces, as always, but may be a replacement for his teammate at the back rather than his partner. A loose ball after the break came close to the first goal from the visitors. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly Another composed showing by the 20-year-old following his first cap against Serbia. Saka failed to make the most of an exquisite flick over the opposing backline. His position is his to lose so soon. Seven
The newcomer A debut start for his country. Slightly sloppy when playing out though his inswinging deliveries posed a danger. A handy tempo-setter available to the boss to call upon versus teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a rash tackle. Six
Declan Rice Set-pieces on corner kicks and set-plays created chances. Was given room to roam down the left flank yet found himself offside when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a merited break on the hour mark. Six
The star midfielder Played in a forward position down the right while also contributed with the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality but scuffed an effort wide. Substituted in the closing stages for Rogers, his rival, after receiving a caution. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Had England’s clearest opportunity before halftime, his strike smartly stopped by Thomas Strakosha. With a teammate staying deep, he had to provide width out wide but his crosses from wide areas were hit and miss. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6
The captain The difference-maker scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes for his country. His first a typical poacher’s finish and the second an excellent header having drifted away away from the opposition. Now 32, he’s only getting better with the national team stand a real opportunity next summer with him up top. 8
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate however Strakosha denied him. His replacement produced a bigger an impact after coming on. Five
Substitutes
- Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Was bright and combined well with Kane in a preferred position, Six
- Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner created the breakthrough, 6
- Rashford (for the attacker 75) Lively when brought on assisting the captain's brace via an excellent ball into the area, 7
- Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Looks established so soon, Six
- Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six