🔗 Share this article

During a commanding display, the English national team clinched a further victory against Albania, featuring several squad members delivering standout performances during the match.

Starting Lineup

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested required during the opening 45 but then tested from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker showed excellent game intelligence. 6/10

The debutant Examined against Albania’s primary attacker in their forward. Started more centrally initially then shifted to the flank after Saka was introduced. 7/10

The defender Moved up the pitch with the ball at his feet, as he has done in the past. At times was too casual on the ball and the experiment discontinued at half-time. Six

The tall defender A nuisance from dead balls, typically, perhaps is a replacement to his teammate in defense as opposed to alongside him. A careless pass later in the match almost led to the first goal from the visitors. 6/10

The young full-back Another composed performance by the 20-year-old following his first cap against another side. Saka did not capitalize on the most of a clever backheel behind the opposing backline. The role is firmly his so soon. 7

The newcomer His maiden beginning for his country. Slightly sloppy when playing out though his dangerous deliveries were a threat. A useful tempo-setter available to the manager to call upon versus defensive opponents. Cautioned after a reckless tackle. 6

Declan Rice Set-pieces on corner kicks and set-plays created chances. Was given freedom to drift in left midfield but was offside upon receiving with a chance to score. Granted a well-earned break on the hour mark. 6

Jude Bellingham Played in a forward role down the right and contributed with the hard yards. Displayed glimpses of brilliance and dragged an attempt high. Substituted in the closing stages by Rogers, his competition, after being booked. 7

The winger Was presented with England’s best chance before halftime, his effort well saved from Thomas Strakosha. As a teammate holding position, it fell to him to stretch the play out wide but his crosses from the touchline were inconsistent. Substituted late in the match. Six

Harry Kane The decisive figure netting 77th and 78th finishes at international level. His first a classic opportunist's goal and the second a classy finish with his head following a clever run from his marker. Now 32, his form is unwavering with the national team stand a real opportunity next summer with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to get into the game out wide. Had a good opening after being played in by the midfielder however Strakosha denied him. Rashford produced a bigger influence in his place. Five

Substitutes

• Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively connecting seamlessly with Kane in a preferred position, 6/10
• Bukayo Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece provided the opener, Six
• Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively when brought on assisting the captain's brace with superb cross to the back post, Seven
• Anderson (for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable already, 6/10
• Morgan Rogers (replacing Bellingham 84) Not enough time to affect things, 6