Squad Evaluations: England Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match

In a dominant showing, England secured a further win versus Albania, with several players turning in standout performances during the match.

Starting XI

The goalkeeper Not a save to make in the first half until called into action by an opponent's curling effort. His sliding tackle against Qazim Laci highlighted sharp anticipation. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Tested by Albania’s primary attacker through Hoxha. Operated in a central role initially then shifted wider after a teammate came on. Seven

John Stones Moved into midfield on the ball, something he's known for before. Sometimes lacked urgency in possession with the approach discontinued after the break. 6

The tall defender Always dangerous at set pieces, per usual, but may be a replacement to Stones at the back rather than paired with him. One wayward distribution later in the match came close to the first goal for Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly A further assured performance from the rising star following his first cap versus another side. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from a clever flick behind the opposing backline. The role looks secure at this stage. Seven

Adam Wharton His maiden beginning for his country. A bit careless in possession but his dangerous deliveries posed a danger. A handy tempo-setter available to the boss to have versus sides that sit back. Cautioned after a reckless tackle. 6

The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and free-kicks created chances. Had license to roam on the left but was in an offside position as the pass came in shooting positions. Awarded a deserved substitution after an hour. 6

The star midfielder Functioned in a high position down the right and put in dirty work. Showed moments of class and mishit an attempt over. Replaced towards the end by a teammate, his competition, after being booked. Seven

The winger Had the team's best chance in the opening period, his strike excellently kept out by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate holding position, he was forced to offer an outlet down the right side but his crosses from the touchline varied in quality. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6/10

Harry Kane The difference-maker with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes in an England shirt. The opener a trademark opportunist's goal while the second a classy headed goal after peeling away off his defender. Aged 32, his form is unwavering and the side are strong contenders in future competitions with him up top. Eight

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to make an impact from the left. Was presented with a presentable chance when set up by the midfielder yet Strakosha made the save. His replacement had a greater effect when substituted. Five

Substitutes

  • Phil Foden (replacing Rice 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in a natural spot, Six
  • Saka (on for Eze 63) Failed to convert yet his delivery created the first goal, 6
  • Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Energetic when brought on and provided Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, Seven
  • Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled at this level, 6/10
  • Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6/10
Julie Perry
Julie Perry

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and emerging technologies, passionate about demystifying tech for everyday users.