Player Assessments: England Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Double in International Qualifier

In a dominant display, the English national team clinched one more victory against Albania, featuring several squad members delivering notable performances during the match.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson Had little to do to perform in the first half but then forced to intervene by an opponent's curled attempt. One well-timed sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker demonstrated sharp anticipation. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Challenged against Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Operated through the middle initially but moved wider after Saka came on. 7/10

The defender Advanced up the pitch when in possession, something he's known for in the past. On occasion lacked urgency in possession and the experiment abandoned after the break. 6/10

The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, per usual, perhaps is another option for Stones in the backline as opposed to his partner. A loose ball in the second half nearly resulted in the first goal from the visitors. 6

The young full-back One more assured performance from the 20-year-old following his first cap against Serbia. A teammate was unable to take the opportunity from a clever backheel behind the opposing backline. The role is his to lose so soon. 7/10

The newcomer His maiden beginning for his country. Slightly loose when playing out but his inswinging deliveries were a threat. A handy tempo-setter available to the boss to have against sides that sit back. Cautioned for a poorly timed challenge. 6

Declan Rice Crosses from dead balls and free kicks caused problems. Was given freedom to drift down the left flank yet found himself offside as the pass came in front of goal. Awarded a well-earned substitution around the 60-minute point. 6

Jude Bellingham Operated in a forward role down the right and contributed with defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance but dragged an effort wide. Replaced in the closing stages by Rogers, his rival, after being booked. 7

The winger Had England’s top opening of the first half, his effort smartly stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. With Quansah staying deep, he was forced to provide width down the right side but his crosses into the box were hit and miss. Substituted with 15 to go. Six

The captain The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes at international level. His first a typical opportunist's goal while the second a superb headed goal having drifted away away from the opposition. At 32, his form is unwavering and the side stand a real opportunity next summer with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Found it tough to influence play on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in by the midfielder but Strakosha made the save. Rashford made much more of an impact in his place. 5

Bench Players

  • Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Appeared sharp connecting effectively with the striker in a preferred position, 6
  • Saka (for Eze 63) Missed opportunities yet his delivery created the opener, 6
  • Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Energetic upon introduction and set up the second goal with a brilliant delivery into the area, Seven
  • Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, 6
  • Rogers (replacing the star 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six
Jordan Bonilla
Jordan Bonilla

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino trends and strategy development.