Squad Evaluations: England Victory Sealed by Kane's Brace in International Qualifier

Throughout a impressive showing, England clinched another victory versus their opponents, featuring a number of squad members producing memorable performances on the pitch.

First-choice XI

The goalkeeper Not a save to make in the first half but then forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding tackle against an Albanian attacker showed his game intelligence. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Tested by the opposition's primary attacker through their forward. Played through the middle initially but moved wider once Saka came on. 7/10

John Stones Moved up the pitch when in possession, as he has done previously. At times was too casual in possession and the tactic was shelved at half-time. 6/10

The tall defender Always dangerous from dead balls, typically, could serve as another option for his teammate in defense as opposed to paired with him. A careless distribution later in the match almost led to the first goal for Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly Another confident display by the rising star after his debut against another side. Saka was unable to take the opportunity from a clever backheel behind the Albania defence. The role is firmly his so soon. Seven

Adam Wharton A debut start in an England shirt. A bit careless in possession but his whipped deliveries caused problems. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to have against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed challenge. 6

Declan Rice Set-pieces on corner kicks and free kicks caused problems. Was given room to drift down the left flank but was in an offside position as the pass came with a chance to score. Granted a deserved break after an hour. 6/10

The star midfielder Played in an advanced role out wide and put in the hard yards. Demonstrated flashes of quality but scuffed an effort wide. Replaced towards the end by a teammate, a fellow player, after being booked. 7

Jarrod Bowen Had the team's clearest opportunity in the opening period, his strike smartly stopped from the opposing goalkeeper. As Quansah holding position, he was forced to provide width on the right although his balls into the box varied in quality. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. Six

Harry Kane The difference-maker scoring two more strikes for his country. The first a classic close-range tap-in while the second a superb header having drifted away away from the opposition. Aged 32, his form is unwavering with the national team are strong contenders in future competitions when he's in the team. Eight

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to influence play on the left flank. Had a decent opportunity when set up from a teammate yet Strakosha made the save. His replacement had a greater an impact in his place. Five

Substitutes

• Phil Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Looked lively connecting seamlessly with the striker in a natural spot, Six
• Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities but his corner provided the breakthrough, Six
• Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Energetic upon introduction assisting the second goal with superb cross to the back post, 7/10
• Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Looks established already, Six
• Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to affect things, Six