Squad Assessments: England Triumph Sealed by Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match

During a impressive display, England secured another triumph versus their opponents, with several squad members delivering standout performances on the pitch.

Starting Lineup

Dean Henderson Not a save required during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. One well-timed sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent reading of the game. 6/10

The debutant Examined against Albania’s primary attacker in Hoxha. Started more centrally initially but moved out wide once a teammate was introduced. 7

The defender Pushed into midfield on the ball, a familiar role before. On occasion lacked urgency when carrying play with the tactic was shelved after the break. 6

Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, but may be another option for Stones in the backline instead of alongside him. A careless pass after the break nearly resulted in the first goal from the visitors. 6

Nico O’Reilly One more confident showing by the 20-year-old after his first cap against Serbia. Saka was unable to take the most of a gorgeous touch over the Albania defence. His position is his to lose at this stage. 7/10

Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. Slightly loose in possession though his inswinging set-pieces were a threat. A handy tempo-setter for the boss to utilize against teams who drop deep. Booked for a poorly timed foul. Six

The midfielder Set-pieces from corners and free-kicks caused problems. Was given license to drift on the left but was offside when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a merited rest around the 60-minute point. 6

Jude Bellingham Operated in a forward role on the right and contributed with defensive duties. Displayed moments of class and dragged an attempt wide. Withdrawn late on by a teammate, his rival, following a yellow card. 7/10

The winger Had England’s best chance before halftime, his effort well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. With Quansah staying deep, it fell to him to provide width out wide but his crosses from the touchline were hit and miss. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6/10

Harry Kane The decisive figure with his 77th and 78th goals in an England shirt. His first a typical poacher’s finish while the second an excellent finish with his head after peeling away from his marker. Now 32, he continues to improve and the side have every chance next summer with him up top. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to make an impact out wide. Was presented with a good opening when set up by Bellingham but the keeper kept it out. Rashford had a greater influence in his place. 5/10

Substitutes

  • Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Was bright connecting seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, Six
  • Bukayo Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Failed to convert yet his delivery created the opener, 6/10
  • Rashford (for Bowen 75) Energetic upon introduction assisting Kane’s second via an excellent ball to the far post, 7
  • Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established at this level, 6/10
  • Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, Six
Nathan Potts
Nathan Potts

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