🔗 Share this article

During a commanding showing, the English national team clinched one more victory versus Albania, featuring multiple squad members producing notable displays throughout the game.

First-choice Lineup

The goalkeeper Not a save to make before the break until tested by an opponent's curled attempt. One well-timed sliding challenge against an Albanian attacker demonstrated sharp anticipation. 6/10

The debutant Examined by the opposition's main danger in their forward. Played more centrally to begin with then shifted wider once Saka entered the fray. 7/10

The defender Pushed forward on the ball, as he has done before. On occasion lacked urgency when carrying play with the tactic was shelved by the interval. 6

Dan Burn A constant threat at set pieces, as always, but may be another option to his teammate in defense instead of alongside him. One wayward pass after the break came close to an opener from Albania. 6/10

The young full-back A further assured display by the 20-year-old following his debut against another side. A teammate failed to make the opportunity from an exquisite backheel behind their defense. His position is firmly his so soon. 7

The newcomer His first start with the national team. Slightly loose on the ball but his dangerous corners were a threat. An effective pace-controller available to the coach to call upon versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a rash foul. Six

Declan Rice Set-pieces on corner kicks and free-kicks caused problems. Had license to drift on the left yet found himself offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Given a merited rest around the 60-minute point. 6

Jude Bellingham Functioned in an advanced position out wide and also contributed with the hard yards. Showed glimpses of brilliance and scuffed a shot wide. Withdrawn towards the end for Rogers, his competition, after receiving a caution. 7/10

The winger Had England’s top opening of the first half, his effort smartly stopped by the Albanian keeper. As Quansah staying deep, he had to provide width down the right side although his balls from wide areas were hit and miss. Substituted with 15 to go. 6/10

The captain The match-winner scoring two more finishes at international level. The opener a typical poacher’s finish and the second a superb finish with his head following a clever run away from the opposition. At 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance next summer with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to get into the game on the left flank. Had a presentable chance when set up by Bellingham but Strakosha denied him. His replacement produced a bigger an impact when substituted. 5

Replacements

• Phil Foden (for a teammate on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and combined well with Kane in more familiar role, Six
• Saka (for Eze 63) Missed opportunities although his set-piece created the first goal, 6
• Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Lively upon introduction and provided the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7
• Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Seems settled at this level, 6/10
• Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, Six