Player Ratings: England Win Sealed by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match
Throughout a dominant showing, the English national team clinched a further win against Albania, with a number of players delivering memorable displays on the pitch.
Starting Eleven
Dean Henderson Not a save required during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention against Qazim Laci showed excellent game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Tested against the opposition's biggest threat in their forward. Played through the middle initially then shifted wider after Saka was introduced. 7
John Stones Advanced into midfield with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. At times lacked urgency in possession and the approach discontinued by the interval. 6
Dan Burn A nuisance at set pieces, typically, perhaps is an alternative for his teammate in defense as opposed to his partner. A careless ball later in the match came close to a goal from the visitors. 6/10
Nico O’Reilly A further assured showing from the youngster after his debut against another side. Saka did not capitalize on full advantage of an exquisite flick over the Albania defence. The left-back spot looks secure already. 7/10
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning for his country. Slightly sloppy in possession though his whipped set-pieces posed a danger. A handy pace-controller for the coach to call upon versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow after a reckless tackle. Six
The midfielder Deliveries from corners and free kicks caused problems. Had freedom to move down the left flank only to be in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Granted a deserved rest after an hour. 6/10
The star midfielder Functioned in a forward position out wide and contributed with defensive duties. Showed glimpses of brilliance but scuffed an attempt wide. Withdrawn in the closing stages by a teammate, his competition, after being booked. 7/10
The winger Had the team's clearest opportunity in the opening period, his effort well saved from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate holding position, it fell to him to stretch the play down the right side although his balls from the touchline were hit and miss. Replaced with 15 to go. 6
Harry Kane The difference-maker with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes for his country. The first a trademark close-range tap-in and the second an excellent header following a clever run from his marker. Now 32, he continues to improve and the side are strong contenders next summer with him up top. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to make an impact from the left. Had a decent opportunity after being played in by Bellingham yet Strakosha kept it out. His replacement had a greater effect in his place. 5
Bench Players
- Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and combined effectively with the striker in more familiar role, 6
- Bukayo Saka (on for Eze 63) Spurned chances although his set-piece provided the breakthrough, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively upon introduction and provided Kane’s second via an excellent ball to the back post, 7/10
- Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Looks established already, Six
- Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, Six