Player Assessments: England Triumph Secured by Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match

During a commanding performance, the English national team secured one more win against Albania, featuring a number of players delivering standout performances on the pitch.

First-choice Eleven

The goalkeeper Not a save to make before the break before called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. His sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker highlighted his anticipation. 6/10

The debutant Challenged against the opposition's biggest threat in their forward. Operated more centrally early on then shifted wider once Saka came on. 7/10

John Stones Pushed into midfield with the ball at his feet, something he's known for previously. On occasion lacked urgency in possession and the tactic abandoned after the break. 6

Dan Burn A constant threat from dead balls, typically, could serve as another option for Stones in defense rather than his partner. A loose distribution in the second half came close to an opener for Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly Another assured display by the 20-year-old following his first cap against Serbia. A teammate failed to make the opportunity from a clever touch over the opposing backline. The left-back spot looks secure already. Seven

The newcomer A debut start in an England shirt. Somewhat careless on the ball but his inswinging corners posed a danger. A handy tempo-setter for the boss to have against sides that sit back. Booked after a reckless foul. 6/10

Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and free-kicks created chances. Had room to drift down the left flank but was in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Given a merited rest around the 60-minute point. 6

The star midfielder Played in an advanced position on the right and contributed with defensive duties. Showed glimpses of brilliance but dragged a shot high. Substituted towards the end for a teammate, his competition, following a yellow card. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity of the first half, his shot well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. With a teammate holding position, he was forced to provide width down the right side although his balls from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off with 15 to go. Six

The captain The decisive figure scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes at international level. The opener a trademark close-range tap-in and his next an excellent header following a clever run from his marker. Now 32, he’s only getting better and England have every chance in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. Eight

The attacker Struggled to make an impact out wide. Had a presentable chance after being played in by the midfielder however Strakosha denied him. His replacement produced a bigger influence when substituted. Five

Substitutes

• Phil Foden (replacing a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively and combined well with the striker in a natural spot, 6
• Saka (for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities but his corner led to the opener, 6/10
• Rashford (for Bowen 75) Energetic after coming on and set up the captain's brace via an excellent ball into the area, 7
• Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled so soon, 6
• Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six