Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Victory Sealed by Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifier

Throughout a dominant performance, England secured another victory against Albania, featuring a number of players delivering memorable displays during the match.

First-choice Lineup

The goalkeeper Not a save to perform during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from an opponent's curled attempt. His sliding tackle on Qazim Laci demonstrated excellent game intelligence. 6/10

The debutant Tested by Albania’s biggest threat in Hoxha. Played through the middle to begin with then shifted out wide once a teammate entered the fray. 7

John Stones Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, as he has done in the past. Sometimes was too casual in possession with the approach was shelved by the interval. 6/10

The tall defender A nuisance at set pieces, as always, could serve as another option to his teammate at the back as opposed to alongside him. A loose distribution later in the match almost led to an opener from the visitors. 6

Nico O’Reilly A further assured performance by the 20-year-old after his initial appearance against another side. Saka did not capitalize on full advantage of a clever backheel behind their defense. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. Seven

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. Slightly careless in possession but his dangerous deliveries caused problems. A handy pace-controller available to the coach to have versus defensive opponents. Cautioned after a reckless challenge. Six

The midfielder Deliveries from dead balls and set-plays created chances. Had room to roam down the left flank only to be offside when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Awarded a deserved break around the 60-minute point. 6

Jude Bellingham Played in a forward role down the right while also put in defensive duties. Showed moments of class and mishit a shot over. Replaced late on for Rogers, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7

The winger Had England’s top opening before halftime, his effort excellently kept out from Thomas Strakosha. As a teammate staying deep, it fell to him to offer an outlet down the right side although his balls into the box were inconsistent. Replaced late in the match. 6

Harry Kane The match-winner with his two more goals in an England shirt. The first a typical close-range tap-in and the second a classy headed goal having drifted away from his marker. Now 32, he’s only getting better with the national team have every chance in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10

The attacker Found it tough to get into the game from the left. Had a presentable chance following a pass by the midfielder but Strakosha made the save. His replacement made much more of influence after coming on. 5/10

Substitutes

• Foden (for a teammate 63) Was bright connecting seamlessly with the striker in a preferred position, 6
• Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece created the opener, Six
• Rashford (for Bowen 75) Active when brought on assisting Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery to the far post, Seven
• Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled so soon, Six
• Rogers (replacing Bellingham 84) Not enough time to influence the game, 6