Player Assessments: England Win Secured by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match

Throughout a dominant display, England clinched another triumph versus Albania, featuring a number of players turning in memorable performances during the match.

Starting Eleven

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to perform in the first half but then called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. A sliding tackle against Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Tested by Albania’s biggest threat through Hoxha. Played in a central role to begin with then shifted wider after Saka came on. Seven

The defender Moved forward with the ball at his feet, something he's known for previously. Sometimes was too casual when carrying play with the approach abandoned after the break. 6/10

The tall defender A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, typically, but may be another option for his teammate in defense instead of paired with him. A careless distribution after the break came close to a goal from Albania. 6

The young full-back One more composed showing from the rising star after his first cap versus Serbia. Saka failed to make the opportunity from an exquisite backheel over the opposing backline. The role is firmly his at this stage. 7/10

Adam Wharton His first start in an England shirt. Somewhat sloppy on the ball however his dangerous corners were a threat. A handy tempo-setter for the boss to have versus teams who drop deep. Booked for a rash tackle. Six

The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and set-plays created chances. Was given room to drift in left midfield yet found himself offside upon receiving in front of goal. Given a merited rest after an hour. Six

Jude Bellingham Played in a high spot out wide and also put in dirty work. Showed glimpses of brilliance but dragged an effort wide. Substituted towards the end by a teammate, his competition, after receiving a caution. 7

The winger Was presented with England’s top opening before halftime, his shot excellently kept out by the opposing goalkeeper. As a teammate hanging back, it fell to him to provide width out wide although his balls into the box varied in quality. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. 6/10

Harry Kane The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals at international level. The opener a classic poacher’s finish and his next a classy header having drifted away off his defender. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance next summer with him leading the line. Eight

Eberechi Eze Struggled to make an impact on the left flank. Had a presentable chance after being played in by Bellingham but the keeper denied him. His replacement had a greater effect after coming on. 5/10

Replacements

• Phil Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Appeared sharp and combined effectively with Kane in more familiar role, Six
• Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities although his set-piece created the breakthrough, 6
• Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Energetic upon introduction assisting Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery to the far post, 7
• Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled at this level, Six
• Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to influence the game, Six