Player Ratings: England Triumph Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifier

In a impressive performance, the English national team secured one more win versus Albania, featuring multiple players producing standout displays throughout the game.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Was rarely tested required during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. One well-timed sliding tackle on Qazim Laci highlighted excellent game intelligence. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Tested by the opposition's biggest threat in Hoxha. Operated through the middle early on but moved to the flank once a teammate entered the fray. 7

John Stones Moved up the pitch with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. On occasion lacked urgency when carrying play with the approach abandoned by the interval. Six

Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, but may be another option to Stones at the back as opposed to his partner. A careless distribution later in the match nearly resulted in an opener from the visitors. 6

Nico O’Reilly Another composed performance by the 20-year-old following his first cap against another side. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from a clever flick behind their defense. His position is firmly his already. 7

The newcomer His maiden beginning with the national team. Slightly sloppy on the ball but his whipped set-pieces were a threat. A useful game manager available to the coach to have versus defensive opponents. Booked for a rash challenge. Six

Declan Rice Crosses on corner kicks and free-kicks caused problems. Had freedom to drift on the left only to be offside when the ball arrived in front of goal. Granted a deserved rest on the hour mark. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Functioned in a forward role down the right while also put in defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance but dragged an effort over. Substituted towards the end for Rogers, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. 7/10

Jarrod Bowen Had the team's best chance of the first half, his strike excellently kept out from the Albanian keeper. With Quansah holding position, he was forced to stretch the play down the right side yet his deliveries from wide areas varied in quality. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. Six

The captain The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th strikes in an England shirt. His first a typical close-range tap-in while the second a classy finish with his head following a clever run from his marker. Now 32, he’s only getting better with the national team have every chance in future competitions with him leading the line. Eight

The attacker Struggled to influence play out wide. Had a good opening when set up by Bellingham yet Strakosha made the save. Rashford had a greater an impact in his place. Five

Replacements

  • Foden (for Rice 63) Appeared sharp connecting effectively with Kane in a preferred position, Six
  • Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Missed opportunities although his set-piece created the opener, 6
  • Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Lively after coming on assisting Kane’s second with superb cross to the back post, Seven
  • Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Looks established already, 6
  • Rogers (replacing Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to make an impact, Six
Christopher Hendricks
Christopher Hendricks

A lighting design specialist with over a decade of experience in smart home integration and sustainable technology.