Squad Ratings: England Win Sealed by Kane's Double in International Qualifier
During a dominant performance, the English national team wrapped up one more win against their opponents, featuring a number of squad members producing memorable performances during the match.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save required in the first half but then forced to intervene by an opponent's curled attempt. One well-timed sliding tackle on an Albanian attacker demonstrated excellent reading of the game. 6/10
The debutant Challenged by the opposition's biggest threat in Hoxha. Started in a central role to begin with then shifted out wide once a teammate entered the fray. 7
The defender Moved forward on the ball, a familiar role in the past. Sometimes was too casual in possession with the approach abandoned by the interval. 6
The tall defender Always dangerous from dead balls, per usual, but may be another option to his teammate in the backline as opposed to alongside him. A loose distribution later in the match came close to the first goal from Albania. Six
The young full-back A further confident performance from the 20-year-old after his initial appearance versus another side. Saka did not capitalize on full advantage of an exquisite touch over their defense. The left-back spot is firmly his so soon. Seven
The newcomer His first start with the national team. Slightly sloppy when playing out but his whipped set-pieces posed a danger. An effective pace-controller available to the manager to utilize against defensive opponents. Cautioned for a rash foul. 6
The midfielder Set-pieces from dead balls and free kicks caused problems. Had room to roam in left midfield yet found himself offside as the pass came in front of goal. Awarded a deserved substitution after an hour. Six
Jude Bellingham Operated in a high role down the right and also put in the hard yards. Displayed moments of class and dragged an effort high. Substituted late on for Rogers, a fellow player, following a yellow card. Seven
Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity before halftime, his effort smartly stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. As Quansah holding position, he was forced to provide width down the right side but his crosses into the box were inconsistent. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6/10
The captain The decisive figure netting two more strikes in an England shirt. The first a typical close-range tap-in while the second an excellent finish with his head after peeling away away from the opposition. Now 32, he’s only getting better and the side stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10
The attacker Had difficulty to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a good opening following a pass by Bellingham however Strakosha denied him. Rashford produced a bigger effect after coming on. 5
Replacements
- Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with the striker in a natural spot, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Spurned chances yet his delivery provided the opener, 6/10
- Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Active when brought on and provided Kane’s second with superb cross to the far post, 7/10
- Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable already, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6
