Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match

In a dominant performance, the English national team clinched another victory versus Albania, featuring a number of players turning in standout displays during the match.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save required before the break but then forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker showed his game intelligence. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Tested by Albania’s main danger in Hoxha. Started more centrally initially later drifted wider after a teammate came on. Seven

John Stones Moved up the pitch with the ball at his feet, a familiar role in the past. Sometimes was too casual when carrying play with the experiment discontinued by the interval. Six

The tall defender Always dangerous on corners and free-kicks, as always, but may be an alternative for Stones at the back instead of his partner. A loose pass later in the match almost led to the first goal from Albania. Six

The young full-back A further assured display by the rising star following his first cap against another side. Saka was unable to take the most of a clever backheel behind the Albania defence. The left-back spot looks secure already. Seven

Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. Slightly loose when playing out but his whipped corners were a threat. A useful game manager for the manager to have against teams who drop deep. Booked after a reckless tackle. 6/10

The midfielder Set-pieces from corners and free kicks created chances. Enjoyed room to roam on the left only to be offside upon receiving with a chance to score. Awarded a well-earned substitution on the hour mark. Six

The star midfielder Operated in an advanced role out wide and also did plenty of defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance but scuffed an effort wide. Withdrawn towards the end for Rogers, his competition, following a yellow card. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Had England’s clearest opportunity in the opening period, his shot excellently kept out from Thomas Strakosha. With a teammate hanging back, he was forced to provide width on the right yet his deliveries into the box were inconsistent. Taken off late in the match. Six

Harry Kane The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth goals for his country. The opener a classic poacher’s finish while the second an excellent header after peeling away away from the opposition. Now 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance next summer when he's in the team. Eight

The attacker Had difficulty to make an impact out wide. Had a presentable chance when set up by the midfielder but Strakosha kept it out. Rashford produced a bigger an impact when substituted. 5/10

Bench Players

  • Phil Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and combined well with the striker in a preferred position, 6/10
  • Saka (on for the winger 63) Failed to convert although his set-piece provided the opener, Six
  • Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Active when brought on and provided Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7/10
  • Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Looks established already, Six
  • Morgan Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to influence the game, 6/10
James Fisher
James Fisher

A data scientist and tech writer passionate about demystifying AI and emerging technologies through accessible, in-depth content.