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In a dominant display, the English national team secured another victory versus Albania, with several squad members turning in memorable performances on the pitch.

Starting XI

The goalkeeper Had little to do required during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curled attempt. One well-timed sliding challenge on Qazim Laci highlighted excellent game intelligence. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Tested by the opposition's primary attacker in Hoxha. Operated more centrally initially then shifted to the flank after Saka was introduced. 7

John Stones Moved forward with the ball at his feet, a familiar role before. On occasion lacked urgency when carrying play and the tactic abandoned after the break. 6

The tall defender A nuisance at set pieces, typically, but may be a replacement to Stones in defense instead of his partner. A careless ball in the second half nearly resulted in the first goal for Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly A further assured display from the 20-year-old after his debut against another side. A teammate failed to make full advantage of a clever backheel behind the opposing backline. His position is his to lose at this stage. Seven

Adam Wharton His maiden beginning for his country. Somewhat careless when playing out however his dangerous corners were a threat. An effective pace-controller for the manager to call upon against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed foul. Six

Declan Rice Deliveries on corner kicks and free kicks were dangerous. Enjoyed room to move on the left only to be in an offside position when the ball arrived with a chance to score. Granted a well-earned rest around the 60-minute point. 6

The star midfielder Functioned in a forward role on the right while also contributed with the hard yards. Demonstrated moments of class and scuffed an effort wide. Withdrawn towards the end by a teammate, his competition, after receiving a caution. 7/10

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening before halftime, his shot well saved from the opposing goalkeeper. With a teammate hanging back, he was forced to stretch the play out wide but his crosses from wide areas were inconsistent. Taken off late in the match. 6/10

Harry Kane The decisive figure with his 77th and 78th finishes at international level. The first a typical poacher’s finish and his next an excellent finish with his head following a clever run away from the opposition. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and England stand a real opportunity next summer with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to influence play out wide. Had a presentable chance when set up from a teammate however Strakosha made the save. His replacement had a greater an impact after coming on. Five

Substitutes

• Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively connecting well with Kane in a preferred position, Six
• Bukayo Saka (on for the winger 63) Failed to convert although his set-piece created the opener, Six
• Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker with 15 left) Active after coming on assisting Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7/10
• Anderson (for Wharton in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, 6
• Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to influence the game, 6