Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Triumph Sealed by Harry Kane's Brace in World Cup Qualifying Match

During a impressive showing, the English national team clinched another win against Albania, with a number of players producing memorable performances throughout the game.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to make in the first half but then called into action by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker showed his game intelligence. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Challenged against Albania’s biggest threat through their forward. Played through the middle initially then shifted to the flank once Saka was introduced. 7/10

John Stones Advanced forward when in possession, a familiar role in the past. At times seemed hesitant in possession with the experiment was shelved after the break. 6/10

The tall defender A constant threat from dead balls, typically, perhaps is another option for Stones at the back rather than paired with him. A loose distribution after the break nearly resulted in the first goal for the visitors. Six

The young full-back A further composed performance by the youngster after his debut against Serbia. Saka was unable to take the most of an exquisite backheel over the Albania defence. The role is firmly his already. 7

Adam Wharton His first start with the national team. Slightly loose when playing out however his whipped set-pieces were a threat. An effective pace-controller for the coach to call upon against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle. 6/10

The midfielder Deliveries on corner kicks and free kicks were dangerous. Was given license to roam on the left yet found himself offside upon receiving in shooting positions. Granted a deserved rest after an hour. 6

Jude Bellingham Operated in a high role down the right and also contributed with dirty work. Demonstrated moments of class but dragged an effort high. Withdrawn in the closing stages by a teammate, a fellow player, after receiving a caution. 7

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's top opening of the first half, his effort excellently kept out from Thomas Strakosha. As Quansah hanging back, he had to offer an outlet down the right side although his balls into the box were hit and miss. Replaced late in the match. 6

The captain The match-winner netting two more finishes for his country. His first a classic close-range tap-in and his next a classy finish with his head having drifted away off his defender. At 32, he continues to improve and the side are strong contenders next summer when he's in the team. Eight

The attacker Found it tough to influence play on the left flank. Was presented with a decent opportunity when set up from a teammate yet Strakosha denied him. Rashford produced a bigger effect after coming on. 5

Replacements

• Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Was bright and combined seamlessly with Kane in a natural spot, 6/10
• Saka (for the winger 63) Missed opportunities yet his delivery created the first goal, 6
• Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively when brought on and provided the captain's brace with superb cross to the far post, 7
• Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Seems settled so soon, 6
• Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6