Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match
In a impressive performance, the English national team secured one more victory versus their opponents, with multiple players producing memorable displays throughout the game.
First-choice XI
The goalkeeper Not a save to perform before the break before called into action from an opponent's bent shot. One well-timed sliding intervention on Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp game intelligence. Six out of ten
Jarell Quansah Examined by Albania’s main danger in their forward. Played in a central role early on but moved out wide after Saka came on. Seven
John Stones Moved forward when in possession, something he's known for previously. Sometimes was too casual on the ball with the approach discontinued after the break. 6
Dan Burn Always dangerous at set pieces, typically, but may be an alternative for his teammate in the backline rather than his partner. One wayward ball after the break came close to a goal from the visitors. 6
The young full-back One more assured showing by the 20-year-old after his first cap against another side. Saka was unable to take the opportunity from a clever backheel over the Albania defence. The role is his to lose so soon. 7/10
The newcomer His maiden beginning for his country. A bit sloppy in possession but his inswinging deliveries were a threat. A useful pace-controller for the boss to call upon versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a poorly timed challenge. 6
Declan Rice Set-pieces on corner kicks and free kicks created chances. Had freedom to drift on the left yet found himself in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Given a merited rest after an hour. 6/10
The star midfielder Played in a high role down the right and contributed with dirty work. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance but mishit an attempt over. Withdrawn towards the end for Rogers, a fellow player, following a yellow card. 7
The winger Was presented with the team's best chance before halftime, his shot well saved by the Albanian keeper. With a teammate hanging back, he was forced to provide width on the right yet his deliveries from wide areas were hit and miss. Substituted late in the match. Six
Harry Kane The match-winner netting two more goals at international level. The first a typical poacher’s finish and his next a superb finish with his head having drifted away off his defender. Aged 32, he’s only getting better with the national team are strong contenders in future competitions with him up top. Eight
The attacker Found it tough to make an impact out wide. Was presented with a decent opportunity following a pass by the midfielder however Strakosha kept it out. His replacement had a greater influence after coming on. 5/10
Replacements
- Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Was bright and linked up seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, Six
- Bukayo Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece led to the opener, 6/10
- Rashford (for Bowen 75) Active when brought on assisting the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the far post, Seven
- Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Looks established already, Six
- Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6