Squad Ratings: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifier

In a dominant performance, the English national team clinched one more triumph against Albania, featuring several players delivering notable performances throughout the game.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Had little to do to make in the first half before called into action by an opponent's bent shot. His sliding tackle on an Albanian attacker highlighted excellent anticipation. Six out of ten

The debutant Challenged against the opposition's primary attacker in Hoxha. Operated more centrally early on later drifted wider once Saka entered the fray. 7

The defender Pushed into midfield with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. On occasion was too casual on the ball with the experiment abandoned by the interval. 6

The tall defender Always dangerous from dead balls, per usual, could serve as another option to his teammate in the backline as opposed to his partner. One wayward ball later in the match came close to an opener for Albania. 6/10

The young full-back A further confident showing from the youngster after his first cap against Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on full advantage of an exquisite flick over the Albania defence. His position is his to lose already. Seven

The newcomer A debut start for his country. A bit loose in possession but his whipped corners caused problems. A handy game manager for the manager to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned after a reckless foul. 6/10

The midfielder Deliveries from corners and set-plays caused problems. Had license to move on the left only to be offside as the pass came in front of goal. Granted a merited substitution around the 60-minute point. Six

The star midfielder Functioned in a high spot down the right and put in the hard yards. Displayed flashes of quality but mishit a shot high. Replaced late on for Rogers, his rival, following a yellow card. 7

The winger Had the team's clearest opportunity in the opening period, his shot well saved from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah staying deep, he was forced to offer an outlet out wide yet his deliveries from wide areas were hit and miss. Taken off late in the match. 6

The captain The decisive figure scoring two more finishes for his country. The first a classic opportunist's goal and the second a superb headed goal having drifted away from his marker. Aged 32, he’s only getting better with the national team are strong contenders in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8/10

The attacker Found it tough to get into the game out wide. Had a decent opportunity after being played in by the midfielder yet Strakosha kept it out. His replacement made much more of an impact when substituted. Five

Replacements

  • Foden (for a teammate 63) Looked lively and linked up effectively with Kane in a natural spot, Six
  • Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Failed to convert but his corner created the breakthrough, 6
  • Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Lively upon introduction assisting the captain's brace via an excellent ball into the area, Seven
  • Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable already, Six
  • Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Not enough time to make an impact, 6/10
Judy Clark
Judy Clark

A philosopher and statistician who writes about the intersection of luck, probability, and human experience, with a background in behavioral science.