🔗 Share this article

Throughout a commanding display, England clinched another victory against Albania, featuring a number of players producing standout displays throughout the game.

First-choice XI

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to perform in the first half before tested by Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. His sliding tackle against Qazim Laci highlighted his reading of the game. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Challenged against the opposition's primary attacker through their forward. Started through the middle early on later drifted to the flank once Saka was introduced. 7/10

John Stones Pushed up the pitch when in possession, as he has done in the past. Sometimes seemed hesitant on the ball with the approach abandoned at half-time. Six

The tall defender A nuisance from dead balls, per usual, but may be an alternative to Stones in defense as opposed to alongside him. One wayward ball after the break nearly resulted in a goal for Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly A further composed performance from the 20-year-old following his first cap versus Serbia. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch behind the Albania defence. His position is his to lose so soon. 7/10

The newcomer His maiden beginning for his country. Slightly sloppy on the ball though his dangerous corners caused problems. A useful pace-controller for the coach to call upon versus sides that sit back. Booked for a poorly timed challenge. 6

Declan Rice Deliveries from dead balls and free-kicks caused problems. Enjoyed license to drift in left midfield but was in an offside position upon receiving with a chance to score. Granted a deserved rest on the hour mark. Six

The star midfielder Operated in a forward spot down the right and put in the hard yards. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance and scuffed a shot high. Replaced towards the end by a teammate, a fellow player, following a yellow card. 7/10

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening of the first half, his strike smartly stopped by the Albanian keeper. With a teammate hanging back, it fell to him to provide width out wide but his crosses from the touchline were inconsistent. Substituted with 15 to go. 6

The captain The match-winner with his two more strikes for his country. His first a typical poacher’s finish while the second an excellent finish with his head after peeling away from his marker. At 32, he’s only getting better and the side have every chance in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8

Eberechi Eze Found it tough to make an impact out wide. Had a good opening after being played in by the midfielder but Strakosha denied him. His replacement produced a bigger influence after coming on. Five

Replacements

• Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Was bright and combined well with the striker in a preferred position, 6/10
• Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Failed to convert but his corner created the opener, 6/10
• Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Energetic after coming on and provided Kane’s second via an excellent ball to the far post, 7/10
• Elliot Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Seems settled so soon, Six
• Morgan Rogers (replacing the star with minutes remaining) Insufficient minutes to make an impact, 6