Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match

During a commanding display, the English national team clinched another victory against Albania, with multiple players producing notable performances throughout the game.

First-choice Lineup

The goalkeeper Not a save to perform before the break but then tested from an opponent's bent shot. One well-timed sliding intervention against Qazim Laci showed sharp anticipation. Six out of ten

The debutant Challenged by the opposition's primary attacker in their forward. Played in a central role to begin with later drifted to the flank after Saka came on. 7

John Stones Advanced up the pitch on the ball, something he's known for previously. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball and the approach was shelved by the interval. 6

The tall defender A nuisance from dead balls, as always, could serve as another option to his teammate in the backline rather than paired with him. A careless ball later in the match almost led to an opener from Albania. Six

The young full-back Another assured display by the 20-year-old following his initial appearance against another side. Saka did not capitalize on the opportunity from a clever touch over their defense. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. Seven

Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. A bit sloppy in possession however his dangerous set-pieces were a threat. An effective pace-controller for the boss to have against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10

The midfielder Deliveries from dead balls and free-kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed room to move in left midfield only to be offside upon receiving with a chance to score. Awarded a merited substitution around the 60-minute point. Six

Jude Bellingham Played in an advanced role out wide and did plenty of the hard yards. Displayed moments of class but mishit an effort high. Substituted in the closing stages for a teammate, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's best chance of the first half, his strike smartly stopped from the opposing goalkeeper. As Quansah holding position, it fell to him to provide width on the right but his crosses from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off with 15 to go. 6

The captain The match-winner with his seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes for his country. The opener a trademark close-range tap-in while the second a classy finish with his head following a clever run away from the opposition. At 32, his form is unwavering and England are strong contenders in future competitions when he's in the team. 8

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to make an impact on the left flank. Had a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate however Strakosha made the save. Rashford made much more of an impact in his place. 5

Bench Players

  • Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively connecting seamlessly with the striker in a natural spot, 6
  • Bukayo Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities although his set-piece provided the breakthrough, 6
  • Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively upon introduction and provided the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery into the area, Seven
  • Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established at this level, 6/10
  • Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to make an impact, Six
Jennifer Murphy DVM
Jennifer Murphy DVM

Sustainable architect and writer passionate about eco-friendly construction and innovative dome designs.