Squad Evaluations: England Win Secured by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifier

During a dominant display, England clinched another victory against their opponents, with several players producing memorable performances during the match.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson Had little to do required in the first half but then called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. His sliding intervention on Qazim Laci highlighted excellent anticipation. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Challenged against the opposition's primary attacker through Hoxha. Operated through the middle initially then shifted out wide once Saka was introduced. 7/10

John Stones Advanced forward on the ball, a familiar role previously. Sometimes lacked urgency in possession with the tactic discontinued at half-time. 6/10

Dan Burn Always dangerous on corners and free-kicks, per usual, perhaps is another option to Stones in the backline as opposed to his partner. A careless pass in the second half came close to an opener for Albania. Six

The young full-back One more confident display by the rising star after his initial appearance versus another side. Saka did not capitalize on the most of a clever backheel behind the Albania defence. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. 7

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. Slightly careless in possession but his inswinging deliveries posed a danger. A useful game manager for the manager to have versus sides that sit back. Booked for a poorly timed tackle. Six

The midfielder Crosses from dead balls and free-kicks caused problems. Enjoyed freedom to move on the left but was offside when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Granted a merited substitution on the hour mark. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Played in a high position on the right and also contributed with the hard yards. Showed glimpses of brilliance but mishit a shot wide. Substituted late on for a teammate, his rival, after receiving a caution. Seven

The winger Had England’s best chance of the first half, his strike excellently kept out by Thomas Strakosha. As a teammate holding position, it fell to him to stretch the play on the right yet his deliveries into the box were hit and miss. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. 6

Harry Kane The difference-maker with his two more finishes at international level. The first a trademark opportunist's goal while the second a superb finish with his head after peeling away away from the opposition. Now 32, he continues to improve and the side stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament with him leading the line. 8

Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play from the left. Was presented with a presentable chance when set up from a teammate but Strakosha made the save. His replacement produced a bigger effect after coming on. 5/10

Substitutes

• Foden (for Rice 63) Appeared sharp connecting well with the striker in a natural spot, Six
• Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece provided the breakthrough, 6/10
• Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Energetic after coming on and set up the captain's brace with superb cross to the back post, 7
• Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, 6
• Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6/10