Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match
In a commanding display, the English national team clinched another win against Albania, with several squad members delivering notable displays during the match.
Starting Lineup
Dean Henderson Was rarely tested to make during the opening 45 before forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention on Qazim Laci highlighted excellent reading of the game. Six out of ten
The debutant Challenged by Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Operated through the middle to begin with but moved to the flank once Saka was introduced. 7
John Stones Pushed up the pitch with the ball at his feet, as he has done previously. Sometimes was too casual on the ball and the tactic was shelved at half-time. Six
Dan Burn A constant threat from dead balls, per usual, perhaps is a replacement for his teammate in the backline instead of alongside him. A loose distribution in the second half nearly resulted in an opener for the visitors. Six
The young full-back Another assured showing by the rising star following his debut versus another side. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from an exquisite touch behind the opposing backline. His position looks secure so soon. 7/10
Adam Wharton His maiden beginning for his country. A bit sloppy when playing out though his whipped set-pieces were a threat. A handy game manager for the coach to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. 6
Declan Rice Crosses from corners and set-plays caused problems. Had license to move in left midfield only to be in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Granted a deserved substitution after an hour. 6/10
The star midfielder Functioned in a high role out wide and contributed with the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality but mishit a shot wide. Substituted towards the end by a teammate, his rival, after being booked. 7
The winger Was presented with England’s best chance before halftime, his strike smartly stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. With Quansah holding position, it fell to him to provide width on the right yet his deliveries from wide areas were inconsistent. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6
Harry Kane The match-winner netting seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes for his country. The first a classic close-range tap-in while the second a superb finish with his head following a clever run away from the opposition. Now 32, his form is unwavering with the national team have every chance in future competitions with him up top. 8/10
Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to get into the game from the left. Was presented with a good opening after being played in from a teammate however Strakosha made the save. His replacement had a greater an impact after coming on. Five
Substitutes
- Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Was bright and combined seamlessly with Kane in more familiar role, 6/10
- Saka (on for the winger 63) Spurned chances but his corner created the opener, 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Active upon introduction and provided the captain's brace with superb cross to the back post, Seven
- Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable so soon, Six
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to make an impact, Six