🔗 Share this article

Throughout a commanding display, the English national team clinched a further win against Albania, featuring a number of squad members producing memorable performances throughout the game.

First-choice XI

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to perform during the opening 45 until tested by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. One well-timed sliding tackle against an Albanian attacker highlighted excellent game intelligence. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Tested against Albania’s biggest threat in Hoxha. Played more centrally to begin with but moved to the flank once Saka was introduced. 7/10

John Stones Pushed forward on the ball, as he has done previously. On occasion was too casual when carrying play and the experiment abandoned after the break. Six

The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, typically, but may be an alternative to Stones at the back instead of his partner. One wayward distribution later in the match came close to the first goal from the visitors. Six

Nico O’Reilly One more confident showing from the rising star following his debut against Serbia. Saka did not capitalize on the most of a clever touch over the opposing backline. The role is his to lose so soon. 7/10

Adam Wharton His maiden beginning with the national team. Somewhat loose in possession however his dangerous set-pieces caused problems. An effective game manager available to the manager to have versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed foul. 6/10

Declan Rice Set-pieces on corner kicks and free kicks caused problems. Had freedom to roam in left midfield only to be in an offside position upon receiving in front of goal. Granted a deserved rest around the 60-minute point. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Functioned in a forward position on the right while also put in defensive duties. Displayed glimpses of brilliance and scuffed an effort over. Substituted towards the end for Rogers, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening in the opening period, his shot well saved from Thomas Strakosha. As a teammate hanging back, he had to offer an outlet out wide but his crosses from wide areas were hit and miss. Taken off for the final quarter-hour. 6/10

The captain The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th finishes in an England shirt. The first a typical poacher’s finish and his next an excellent header following a clever run away from the opposition. Now 32, his form is unwavering with the national team stand a real opportunity in future competitions with him up top. Eight

The attacker Struggled to make an impact out wide. Had a decent opportunity when set up from a teammate but the keeper made the save. His replacement produced a bigger influence after coming on. Five

Substitutes

• Foden (replacing Rice 63) Appeared sharp and combined effectively with Kane in a natural spot, Six
• Bukayo Saka (for Eze 63) Spurned chances but his corner provided the first goal, 6/10
• Rashford (for the attacker 75) Lively after coming on and set up the second goal via an excellent ball to the far post, Seven
• Anderson (for the midfielder 75) Looks established so soon, Six
• Rogers (for the star 84) Not enough time to influence the game, Six