Squad Evaluations: England Victory Sealed by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier
Throughout a impressive performance, the English national team secured a further win versus Albania, with multiple players delivering notable performances on the pitch.
First-choice Eleven
Dean Henderson Had little to do to make in the first half until tested from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. His sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker showed sharp game intelligence. Six out of ten
The debutant Challenged by Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Started in a central role initially then shifted to the flank after Saka came on. 7/10
The defender Advanced into midfield on the ball, a familiar role in the past. Sometimes was too casual in possession and the tactic abandoned at half-time. Six
Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, but may be an alternative to his teammate in defense as opposed to his partner. A loose distribution after the break came close to the first goal from the visitors. Six
Nico O’Reilly One more composed display from the youngster after his debut versus another side. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch over the opposing backline. His position is his to lose at this stage. Seven
Adam Wharton His first start for his country. Slightly loose on the ball though his dangerous deliveries were a threat. A handy pace-controller available to the manager to call upon against teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a rash tackle. Six
The midfielder Set-pieces from dead balls and free kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed license to roam down the left flank yet found himself in an offside position upon receiving in shooting positions. Given a deserved break on the hour mark. 6/10
The star midfielder Operated in a forward role out wide and also contributed with the hard yards. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance and dragged an effort over. Replaced late on for Rogers, his competition, following a yellow card. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening before halftime, his shot well saved from the Albanian keeper. With a teammate holding position, it fell to him to stretch the play on the right although his balls from wide areas were hit and miss. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. Six
The captain The match-winner with his two more finishes for his country. The first a typical poacher’s finish and his next an excellent headed goal following a clever run off his defender. Aged 32, he’s only getting better with the national team stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8
Eberechi Eze Found it tough to influence play on the left flank. Was presented with a decent opportunity after being played in from a teammate however Strakosha made the save. His replacement had a greater effect in his place. 5
Bench Players
- Foden (for Rice 63) Was bright connecting seamlessly with Kane in a preferred position, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze 63) Failed to convert yet his delivery provided the opener, Six
- Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Energetic after coming on and provided Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, Seven
- Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established already, 6/10
- Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to influence the game, 6/10