Player Evaluations: England Win Sealed by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match
In a impressive display, the English national team wrapped up one more triumph against their opponents, featuring several players turning in memorable displays on the pitch.
Starting Lineup
Dean Henderson Had little to do to make before the break before tested by an opponent's bent shot. A sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent anticipation. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Challenged by Albania’s main danger in Hoxha. Operated through the middle initially but moved out wide after Saka entered the fray. Seven
John Stones Moved into midfield when in possession, as he has done previously. At times lacked urgency when carrying play with the experiment discontinued after the break. 6/10
The tall defender A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, per usual, perhaps is a replacement to Stones in defense instead of paired with him. A loose pass later in the match came close to an opener from the visitors. 6
Nico O’Reilly A further confident performance from the youngster following his first cap versus another side. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch behind their defense. The left-back spot is firmly his already. Seven
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning for his country. Somewhat careless on the ball however his whipped set-pieces were a threat. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to have versus sides that sit back. Cautioned for a poorly timed foul. 6
The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and set-plays caused problems. Had license to roam down the left flank but was in an offside position when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a deserved rest on the hour mark. Six
The star midfielder Functioned in a forward role out wide while also contributed with defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance but dragged a shot wide. Substituted late on for Rogers, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening before halftime, his strike well saved by Thomas Strakosha. With Quansah hanging back, he had to provide width on the right but his crosses from the touchline were hit and miss. Replaced late in the match. Six
The captain The decisive figure netting seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals in an England shirt. The opener a typical opportunist's goal and the second a superb finish with his head having drifted away from his marker. At 32, his form is unwavering and England are strong contenders in the upcoming tournament with him leading the line. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Found it tough to make an impact from the left. Had a decent opportunity following a pass by Bellingham yet the keeper denied him. His replacement had a greater influence in his place. Five
Replacements
- Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Was bright connecting well with Kane in more familiar role, Six
- Bukayo Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities although his set-piece provided the first goal, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Lively upon introduction and set up Kane’s second via an excellent ball to the far post, 7
- Elliot Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, 6/10
- Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to make an impact, 6/10