Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Victory Secured by Kane's Brace in International Qualifying Match

During a dominant display, England wrapped up one more triumph against their opponents, featuring several squad members producing standout performances on the pitch.

Starting Lineup

The goalkeeper Had little to do required before the break but then tested from Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. One well-timed sliding intervention against Qazim Laci demonstrated his reading of the game. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Tested by Albania’s primary attacker in Hoxha. Operated in a central role initially then shifted to the flank after a teammate was introduced. Seven

John Stones Pushed into midfield on the ball, a familiar role before. At times lacked urgency in possession and the experiment abandoned by the interval. 6/10

The tall defender Always dangerous at set pieces, as always, but may be an alternative for Stones in the backline instead of paired with him. A careless pass in the second half came close to an opener for Albania. 6

The young full-back One more confident performance from the rising star following his first cap against Serbia. Saka was unable to take full advantage of an exquisite touch over the opposing backline. His position looks secure at this stage. Seven

The newcomer His maiden beginning in an England shirt. A bit careless on the ball however his whipped set-pieces posed a danger. An effective tempo-setter available to the coach to have against defensive opponents. Cautioned for a poorly timed foul. 6

Declan Rice Crosses on corner kicks and set-plays were dangerous. Enjoyed license to drift on the left yet found himself offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Given a well-earned rest on the hour mark. 6

Jude Bellingham Operated in a forward role on the right and contributed with defensive duties. Demonstrated moments of class but mishit a shot wide. Withdrawn in the closing stages by a teammate, his rival, following a yellow card. Seven

The winger Was presented with England’s clearest opportunity of the first half, his effort smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. With Quansah staying deep, it fell to him to stretch the play out wide but his crosses from wide areas varied in quality. Taken off late in the match. Six

Harry Kane The match-winner scoring two more goals in an England shirt. The first a trademark poacher’s finish and the second an excellent headed goal following a clever run from his marker. Now 32, he’s only getting better and the side are strong contenders next summer with him up top. 8

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to make an impact out wide. Had a good opening when set up by Bellingham but the keeper denied him. His replacement made much more of effect after coming on. Five

Bench Players

• Foden (for Rice 63) Was bright and linked up seamlessly with the striker in a natural spot, Six
• Saka (on for Eze 63) Failed to convert yet his delivery created the opener, 6
• Rashford (for the attacker with 15 left) Lively after coming on and provided the second goal via an excellent ball to the back post, 7
• Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Seems settled already, 6/10
• Morgan Rogers (for the star 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6