Player Ratings: England Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match

Throughout a dominant performance, the English national team secured one more win versus their opponents, with multiple players producing notable performances on the pitch.

Starting Eleven

Dean Henderson Had little to do to perform during the opening 45 before called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding tackle against an Albanian attacker showed his anticipation. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Challenged against Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Started in a central role initially later drifted out wide once a teammate came on. Seven

John Stones Moved into midfield on the ball, as he has done previously. At times seemed hesitant on the ball with the tactic discontinued by the interval. 6/10

The tall defender A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, per usual, but may be a replacement for Stones in defense instead of his partner. One wayward ball after the break nearly resulted in an opener for Albania. 6

Nico O’Reilly One more assured display from the youngster following his debut versus another side. Saka was unable to take the most of an exquisite touch behind their defense. The role looks secure at this stage. 7/10

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. Slightly loose on the ball however his whipped set-pieces caused problems. An effective pace-controller for the boss to have against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a rash challenge. Six

Declan Rice Crosses on corner kicks and free kicks created chances. Enjoyed license to drift on the left only to be in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Awarded a well-earned break around the 60-minute point. 6

Jude Bellingham Functioned in an advanced position down the right and contributed with defensive duties. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance and mishit an effort high. Withdrawn late on for Rogers, a fellow player, after being booked. 7/10

The winger Had the team's best chance before halftime, his effort excellently kept out from Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah hanging back, he had to offer an outlet on the right although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6/10

The captain The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th finishes at international level. His first a typical poacher’s finish while the second an excellent finish with his head following a clever run off his defender. At 32, his form is unwavering and the side have every chance in future competitions with him leading the line. Eight

The attacker Struggled to influence play out wide. Had a decent opportunity when set up by the midfielder however the keeper kept it out. Rashford produced a bigger an impact after coming on. Five

Replacements

  • Phil Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Looked lively connecting seamlessly with Kane in a natural spot, 6/10
  • Bukayo Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner created the breakthrough, 6
  • Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Active after coming on and set up the captain's brace with superb cross into the area, 7/10
  • Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, 6
  • Rogers (replacing the star 84) Too brief a spell to make an impact, Six
Brianna Mooney
Brianna Mooney

A space science journalist with a background in astrophysics, passionate about making cosmic phenomena accessible to all readers.