🔗 Share this article Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifier Throughout a impressive performance, the English national team secured one more win versus Albania, featuring a number of squad members turning in standout displays on the pitch. First-choice XI Dean Henderson Not a save to perform before the break until forced to intervene from an opponent's bent shot. One well-timed sliding tackle against Qazim Laci demonstrated sharp game intelligence. Six out of ten Jarell Quansah Tested by the opposition's biggest threat in their forward. Operated through the middle initially then shifted out wide after Saka entered the fray. 7/10 The defender Moved up the pitch with the ball at his feet, something he's known for previously. Sometimes was too casual when carrying play with the approach abandoned at half-time. 6 Dan Burn A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, typically, could serve as a replacement for Stones in the backline instead of his partner. One wayward distribution after the break came close to a goal from Albania. 6 Nico O’Reilly Another assured performance from the rising star after his first cap against Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from an exquisite backheel over their defense. The role is his to lose at this stage. 7/10 The newcomer A debut start in an England shirt. A bit sloppy on the ball though his whipped corners were a threat. A useful tempo-setter for the coach to call upon against teams who drop deep. Booked after a reckless foul. Six Declan Rice Deliveries on corner kicks and free kicks caused problems. Was given license to move on the left only to be in an offside position when the ball arrived in shooting positions. Given a deserved break after an hour. Six Jude Bellingham Functioned in a high position on the right while also contributed with defensive duties. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance but scuffed an effort high. Replaced late on for a teammate, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7/10 Jarrod Bowen Had the team's top opening in the opening period, his shot smartly stopped from Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah hanging back, he had to stretch the play out wide but his crosses into the box varied in quality. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6 Harry Kane The match-winner with his 77th and 78th goals at international level. The opener a trademark poacher’s finish and his next a superb header after peeling away from his marker. Now 32, he continues to improve and England are strong contenders in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10 The attacker Had difficulty to influence play on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass by Bellingham but Strakosha denied him. Rashford made much more of effect in his place. 5 Substitutes Phil Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Was bright and combined well with Kane in a natural spot, 6 Bukayo Saka (on for Eze 63) Spurned chances but his corner created the opener, 6/10 Marcus Rashford (for Bowen 75) Energetic after coming on and provided the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the back post, 7 Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Seems settled so soon, 6 Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six