🔗 Share this article

During a impressive showing, England secured another triumph against Albania, featuring several players turning in memorable displays throughout the game.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Had little to do required before the break until tested by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker highlighted his game intelligence. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Challenged by Albania’s biggest threat through their forward. Started through the middle to begin with but moved to the flank after Saka was introduced. Seven

The defender Pushed forward with the ball at his feet, a familiar role in the past. At times seemed hesitant in possession with the experiment discontinued by the interval. 6

Dan Burn Always dangerous at set pieces, per usual, could serve as a replacement to his teammate at the back rather than paired with him. A careless distribution after the break almost led to an opener for Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly One more confident display from the rising star after his initial appearance versus another side. A teammate was unable to take the opportunity from a clever backheel behind the Albania defence. The left-back spot is his to lose so soon. Seven

The newcomer His first start for his country. A bit careless in possession but his whipped deliveries caused problems. A useful pace-controller for the coach to call upon versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow for a poorly timed foul. Six

Declan Rice Set-pieces from dead balls and set-plays were dangerous. Was given freedom to move down the left flank yet found himself offside as the pass came in front of goal. Given a deserved break around the 60-minute point. Six

The star midfielder Operated in a forward role out wide and also contributed with dirty work. Displayed moments of class and dragged an attempt wide. Substituted towards the end for a teammate, his rival, after being booked. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with England’s top opening before halftime, his effort well saved from the Albanian keeper. As Quansah hanging back, he was forced to provide width down the right side although his balls from wide areas were hit and miss. Substituted late in the match. 6/10

Harry Kane The match-winner scoring 77th and 78th strikes for his country. The opener a typical close-range tap-in and his next a classy header following a clever run away from the opposition. Now 32, he continues to improve and England have every chance in the upcoming tournament with him up top. 8/10

The attacker Struggled to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance after being played in from a teammate yet the keeper made the save. Rashford produced a bigger influence after coming on. 5

Bench Players

• Phil Foden (for a teammate 63) Looked lively and linked up effectively with Kane in a natural spot, 6
• Saka (on for Eze 63) Spurned chances yet his delivery created the first goal, 6/10
• Rashford (replacing Bowen 75) Energetic upon introduction and set up the second goal via an excellent ball into the area, 7/10
• Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Appears comfortable at this level, Six
• Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Not enough time to affect things, 6