Player Assessments: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match

Throughout a commanding performance, the English national team secured a further victory versus Albania, featuring several squad members producing standout displays during the match.

Starting Eleven

The goalkeeper Had little to do to perform in the first half but then tested by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. His sliding tackle on Qazim Laci showed sharp game intelligence. 6/10

The debutant Challenged against Albania’s primary attacker through their forward. Played in a central role early on but moved to the flank once a teammate was introduced. Seven

The defender Moved into midfield on the ball, as he has done in the past. On occasion lacked urgency on the ball and the experiment discontinued after the break. Six

Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, per usual, perhaps is a replacement for his teammate in defense as opposed to paired with him. A careless distribution after the break nearly resulted in an opener from the visitors. Six

Nico O’Reilly A further assured display by the 20-year-old following his first cap versus Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from a clever backheel over the opposing backline. The left-back spot is his to lose already. 7

The newcomer His first start for his country. Somewhat sloppy on the ball though his dangerous corners were a threat. A handy game manager for the coach to utilize versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed challenge. Six

The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and set-plays caused problems. Enjoyed license to move in left midfield but was in an offside position when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Given a deserved substitution after an hour. Six

The star midfielder Played in a high position out wide and also did plenty of defensive duties. Demonstrated flashes of quality but scuffed an attempt high. Withdrawn late on by Rogers, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Had the team's clearest opportunity before halftime, his strike smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah holding position, he was forced to offer an outlet out wide but his crosses from the touchline were inconsistent. Taken off with 15 to go. Six

Harry Kane The match-winner with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes in an England shirt. His first a trademark opportunist's goal while the second an excellent headed goal after peeling away away from the opposition. At 32, he continues to improve and England are strong contenders in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8

Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play from the left. Had a decent opportunity when set up by the midfielder however the keeper kept it out. Rashford had a greater effect after coming on. 5/10

Replacements

  • Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in a natural spot, Six
  • Bukayo Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances but his corner created the breakthrough, 6/10
  • Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Active when brought on and set up Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7
  • Elliot Anderson (for Wharton 75) Looks established at this level, 6
  • Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to influence the game, 6
Wanda Poole MD
Wanda Poole MD

Environmental scientist and writer passionate about green living and sustainable practices.