Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifier

Throughout a impressive performance, the English national team clinched one more victory against Albania, with multiple players producing memorable displays during the match.

First-choice XI

The goalkeeper Not a save to make in the first half before forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. A sliding intervention against Qazim Laci highlighted excellent reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Examined by the opposition's main danger in Hoxha. Started more centrally initially but moved wider after Saka entered the fray. 7

The defender Advanced up the pitch with the ball at his feet, as he has done in the past. On occasion seemed hesitant on the ball with the tactic abandoned at half-time. Six

The tall defender Always dangerous from dead balls, per usual, perhaps is another option for his teammate at the back rather than paired with him. A loose distribution in the second half nearly resulted in an opener from Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly Another composed display by the rising star following his debut versus Serbia. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from a gorgeous touch over their defense. The role is his to lose already. 7/10

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. A bit sloppy on the ball though his inswinging set-pieces caused problems. A useful tempo-setter for the boss to have versus defensive opponents. Shown a yellow for a rash foul. 6

The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and free kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed freedom to drift down the left flank yet found himself offside as the pass came in front of goal. Granted a deserved substitution around the 60-minute point. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Operated in an advanced position down the right while also put in defensive duties. Displayed flashes of quality but dragged an effort wide. Replaced towards the end for Rogers, his competition, after receiving a caution. 7/10

The winger Was presented with England’s top opening in the opening period, his effort smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah staying deep, he had to offer an outlet on the right yet his deliveries into the box were hit and miss. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. Six

The captain The decisive figure netting seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes at international level. His first a classic close-range tap-in and the second an excellent header after peeling away away from the opposition. At 32, he’s only getting better and England stand a real opportunity next summer with him leading the line. 8/10

The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate yet the keeper denied him. His replacement had a greater an impact when substituted. 5

Replacements

  • Foden (for a teammate 63) Was bright and linked up seamlessly with Kane in a preferred position, 6
  • Bukayo Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances yet his delivery provided the breakthrough, 6/10
  • Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Active when brought on and set up Kane’s second with superb cross into the area, 7
  • Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable at this level, 6/10
  • Morgan Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to influence the game, 6
Katherine Herring
Katherine Herring

Elara is a linguist and writer with a passion for exploring how words shape our world and connect cultures.