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

In a dominant display, England clinched another triumph against Albania, featuring a number of squad members delivering notable performances during the match.

Starting XI

The goalkeeper Not a save to make during the opening 45 but then forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. His sliding challenge on Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Tested by Albania’s main danger in their forward. Played more centrally to begin with then shifted out wide once a teammate was introduced. 7

John Stones Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, a familiar role in the past. Sometimes seemed hesitant in possession and the tactic was shelved by the interval. Six

Dan Burn A nuisance on corners and free-kicks, as always, but may be another option for Stones in the backline as opposed to paired with him. A loose ball later in the match nearly resulted in an opener from Albania. 6/10

The young full-back A further confident performance from the rising star following his first cap versus Serbia. Saka failed to make full advantage of a clever backheel over their defense. His position looks secure at this stage. Seven

The newcomer A debut start with the national team. Somewhat careless on the ball however his inswinging set-pieces posed a danger. An effective tempo-setter for the boss to have against sides that sit back. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. 6/10

The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and free-kicks were dangerous. Was given license to move down the left flank yet found himself in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Given a deserved break after an hour. Six

Jude Bellingham Functioned in an advanced spot down the right and did plenty of the hard yards. Showed moments of class and scuffed an effort over. Replaced in the closing stages for a teammate, his competition, after receiving a caution. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's top opening before halftime, his shot smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. With Quansah holding position, he was forced to provide width on the right although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off late in the match. 6

The captain The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes at international level. His first a classic poacher’s finish and the second a classy headed goal after peeling away from his marker. Now 32, he continues to improve and England have every chance in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to get into the game out wide. Had a presentable chance following a pass from a teammate yet Strakosha made the save. Rashford produced a bigger influence in his place. Five

Replacements

• Foden (for a teammate 63) Appeared sharp and linked up seamlessly with Kane in a preferred position, 6/10
• Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner created the first goal, Six
• Rashford (for the attacker 75) Lively after coming on and provided the captain's brace via an excellent ball into the area, 7/10
• Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled so soon, 6
• Morgan Rogers (replacing Bellingham 84) Insufficient minutes to affect things, Six