Squad Ratings: England Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match

During a impressive performance, the English national team clinched a further triumph against Albania, featuring a number of squad members producing notable performances throughout the game.

Starting Eleven

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested required in the first half but then tested from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. A sliding tackle on Qazim Laci highlighted sharp reading of the game. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Tested by Albania’s main danger through their forward. Started through the middle early on but moved to the flank once Saka was introduced. 7/10

John Stones Advanced up the pitch on the ball, something he's known for before. On occasion was too casual when carrying play and the tactic was shelved at half-time. 6/10

Dan Burn A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, per usual, could serve as an alternative to Stones in defense rather than paired with him. A careless pass in the second half came close to the first goal from Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly Another composed display by the rising star after his initial appearance against Serbia. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from a gorgeous backheel over the Albania defence. The role is his to lose already. 7

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. Slightly sloppy when playing out however his inswinging set-pieces posed a danger. A handy game manager available to the coach to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10

The midfielder Deliveries from dead balls and set-plays caused problems. Enjoyed room to roam down the left flank only to be in an offside position as the pass came in front of goal. Awarded a merited substitution after an hour. 6/10

The star midfielder Played in a high spot out wide and did plenty of dirty work. Showed flashes of quality but dragged an attempt wide. Withdrawn in the closing stages by a teammate, a fellow player, after being booked. Seven

The winger Had England’s top opening before halftime, his strike well saved by Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah staying deep, he was forced to offer an outlet out wide but his crosses from wide areas were hit and miss. Taken off with 15 to go. 6

Harry Kane The decisive figure with his 77th and 78th finishes at international level. The opener a typical opportunist's goal while the second an excellent headed goal following a clever run off his defender. Aged 32, he continues to improve and the side are strong contenders in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10

The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact out wide. Had a good opening when set up by Bellingham but Strakosha denied him. Rashford had a greater effect in his place. Five

Replacements

  • Phil Foden (replacing Rice 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in a preferred position, 6
  • Bukayo Saka (on for the winger 63) Missed opportunities but his corner provided the opener, 6
  • Rashford (for the attacker 75) Active after coming on and provided the second goal with a brilliant delivery to the far post, Seven
  • Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Seems settled already, 6
  • Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, 6
Jeremy Daniels
Jeremy Daniels

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech consulting and innovation management across European markets.

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