Throughout a commanding showing, the English national team clinched one more triumph versus Albania, featuring multiple players delivering notable performances on the pitch.
Starting Eleven
The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to perform during the opening 45 but then called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker highlighted excellent game intelligence. 6/10
The debutant Challenged by the opposition's main danger through their forward. Operated more centrally to begin with later drifted out wide after Saka came on. Seven
John Stones Advanced up the pitch when in possession, something he's known for before. At times was too casual on the ball with the experiment was shelved at half-time. Six
Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, as always, but may be a replacement to Stones in defense rather than his partner. A loose ball in the second half came close to an opener for the visitors. Six
The young full-back One more assured display from the 20-year-old following his debut against another side. A teammate failed to make the opportunity from a gorgeous flick behind their defense. The role looks secure at this stage. Seven
Adam Wharton A debut start with the national team. Slightly sloppy on the ball but his whipped set-pieces were a threat. An effective pace-controller for the coach to utilize versus teams who drop deep. Cautioned for a rash tackle. 6/10
Declan Rice Crosses from dead balls and free kicks were dangerous. Was given freedom to move on the left yet found himself offside upon receiving in front of goal. Given a merited break on the hour mark. 6
The star midfielder Operated in a high role out wide and put in defensive duties. Showed flashes of quality but mishit an effort high. Substituted towards the end for Rogers, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7/10
The winger Had England’s top opening before halftime, his strike well saved from the Albanian keeper. With a teammate holding position, it fell to him to offer an outlet out wide although his balls into the box were hit and miss. Replaced for the final quarter-hour. 6/10
Harry Kane The decisive figure netting 77th and 78th strikes for his country. His first a typical close-range tap-in and the second a classy header having drifted away away from the opposition. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance in future competitions with him up top. Eight
Eberechi Eze Struggled to make an impact on the left flank. Was presented with a decent opportunity after being played in by the midfielder but Strakosha kept it out. His replacement produced a bigger effect in his place. Five
Replacements
- Phil Foden (for Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and combined well with Kane in more familiar role, 6/10
- Bukayo Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances although his set-piece led to the opener, Six
- Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Active upon introduction and set up the second goal via an excellent ball to the far post, Seven
- Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable already, 6/10
- Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, 6/10
