Player Evaluations: England Win Sealed by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match

In a commanding performance, England clinched one more win against Albania, featuring several players producing memorable performances throughout the game.

Starting Eleven

The goalkeeper Not a save required during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. One well-timed sliding tackle against Qazim Laci showed sharp reading of the game. 6/10

The debutant Tested by the opposition's main danger through their forward. Operated in a central role early on later drifted to the flank after Saka entered the fray. 7/10

John Stones Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, as he has done in the past. On occasion was too casual when carrying play and the experiment discontinued at half-time. 6

The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, per usual, could serve as another option for his teammate at the back as opposed to his partner. A careless distribution after the break came close to a goal for Albania. 6

Nico O’Reilly A further confident showing by the rising star following his debut against another side. A teammate failed to make full advantage of a clever touch over the Albania defence. His position is his to lose so soon. 7

The newcomer His first start for his country. Slightly sloppy when playing out though his whipped deliveries caused problems. A useful tempo-setter available to the boss to have versus teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a rash foul. Six

Declan Rice Crosses from dead balls and free-kicks created chances. Enjoyed freedom to drift in left midfield but was offside when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Given a well-earned rest around the 60-minute point. Six

Jude Bellingham Operated in an advanced role down the right and did plenty of the hard yards. Showed flashes of quality and scuffed a shot wide. Replaced in the closing stages for Rogers, a fellow player, following a yellow card. 7

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's clearest opportunity before halftime, his shot smartly stopped by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate staying deep, it fell to him to provide width down the right side although his balls from the touchline were hit and miss. Replaced with 15 to go. 6

Harry Kane The difference-maker netting 77th and 78th strikes in an England shirt. His first a classic opportunist's goal while the second an excellent finish with his head after peeling away from his marker. Aged 32, his form is unwavering and the side are strong contenders in future competitions with him up top. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play out wide. Had a good opening after being played in by the midfielder however the keeper kept it out. Rashford produced a bigger effect after coming on. 5

Bench Players

  • Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively and linked up seamlessly with Kane in a preferred position, Six
  • Saka (for the winger 63) Failed to convert yet his delivery created the first goal, Six
  • Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Lively upon introduction and provided the second goal with superb cross to the back post, 7
  • Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Looks established so soon, 6/10
  • Morgan Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to influence the game, 6/10
Darryl Vang
Darryl Vang

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering the gaming industry and its trends.