🔗 Share this article

In a impressive showing, the English national team secured another win versus their opponents, with several players producing memorable performances during the match.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to perform in the first half until called into action from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding intervention against Qazim Laci demonstrated his reading of the game. Six out of ten

The debutant Challenged by Albania’s main danger in their forward. Played more centrally initially later drifted to the flank after Saka was introduced. 7/10

John Stones Pushed into midfield on the ball, a familiar role in the past. On occasion lacked urgency on the ball with the tactic abandoned after the break. Six

The tall defender Always dangerous at set pieces, per usual, perhaps is a replacement to Stones at the back instead of alongside him. A careless ball later in the match came close to an opener for the visitors. 6

The young full-back Another assured performance by the rising star following his first cap versus Serbia. Saka was unable to take full advantage of a clever backheel over the opposing backline. The left-back spot looks secure at this stage. 7/10

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. Somewhat sloppy in possession but his whipped corners caused problems. A handy pace-controller for the manager to have against sides that sit back. Cautioned after a reckless tackle. 6/10

Declan Rice Crosses from corners and free kicks created chances. Had freedom to roam in left midfield but was offside upon receiving in front of goal. Given a merited break around the 60-minute point. 6/10

The star midfielder Operated in a high position on the right while also contributed with dirty work. Showed flashes of quality and dragged an effort high. Withdrawn towards the end for a teammate, his competition, after receiving a caution. 7/10

The winger Had the team's clearest opportunity in the opening period, his effort well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. As a teammate holding position, he had to provide width out wide but his crosses from the touchline were hit and miss. Substituted with 15 to go. 6

The captain The match-winner netting two more goals in an England shirt. The opener a classic opportunist's goal while the second a classy header having drifted away from his marker. At 32, his form is unwavering and England have every chance in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. Eight

The attacker Found it tough to make an impact on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass by the midfielder but the keeper kept it out. His replacement made much more of influence after coming on. 5

Substitutes

• Phil Foden (for a teammate 63) Looked lively connecting effectively with Kane in more familiar role, Six
• Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Spurned chances yet his delivery created the opener, Six
• Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively after coming on assisting Kane’s second with superb cross into the area, Seven
• Elliot Anderson (on for the midfielder 75) Appears comfortable already, 6
• Rogers (replacing the star 84) Not enough time to affect things, 6/10