Squad Assessments: England Victory Sealed by Harry Kane's Double in World Cup Qualifying Match

Throughout a dominant display, the English national team secured another triumph against Albania, featuring several players delivering memorable performances on the pitch.

First-choice Lineup

Dean Henderson Not a save to perform in the first half but then tested from an opponent's curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention on Qazim Laci highlighted excellent game intelligence. 6/10

The debutant Tested by the opposition's biggest threat through their forward. Played more centrally to begin with but moved out wide after Saka was introduced. 7

The defender Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. At times was too casual in possession and the tactic abandoned at half-time. Six

The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, as always, could serve as an alternative to his teammate in the backline instead of paired with him. A careless distribution after the break nearly resulted in a goal for the visitors. 6/10

The young full-back One more confident showing from the rising star following his first cap versus Serbia. A teammate failed to make the opportunity from a clever backheel behind the opposing backline. His position is firmly his at this stage. Seven

The newcomer A debut start with the national team. Somewhat careless on the ball however his dangerous corners caused problems. A handy pace-controller for the boss to call upon versus sides that sit back. Cautioned after a reckless tackle. 6

Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and free-kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed room to move down the left flank but was offside when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Given a merited rest on the hour mark. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Functioned in an advanced spot down the right and also contributed with the hard yards. Showed moments of class but dragged an attempt wide. Withdrawn in the closing stages by a teammate, a fellow player, after being booked. 7/10

The winger Had the team's best chance of the first half, his effort well saved by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate hanging back, it fell to him to offer an outlet down the right side yet his deliveries from the touchline varied in quality. Replaced late in the match. 6/10

Harry Kane The difference-maker scoring two more goals for his country. The first a classic close-range tap-in while the second a superb headed goal having drifted away off his defender. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance next summer with him leading the line. Eight

The attacker Found it tough to get into the game on the left flank. Had a decent opportunity when set up from a teammate yet Strakosha denied him. Rashford made much more of influence in his place. 5

Replacements

• Foden (replacing Rice 63) Looked lively and combined well with Kane in more familiar role, 6/10
• Saka (for the winger 63) Spurned chances although his set-piece led to the breakthrough, 6
• Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Energetic after coming on and provided the captain's brace via an excellent ball to the back post, Seven
• Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Seems settled so soon, 6
• Rogers (replacing Bellingham with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to affect things, 6