🔗 Share this article

In a dominant showing, England secured a further win versus Albania, with several players producing memorable displays during the match.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to make during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. A sliding tackle on Qazim Laci demonstrated excellent reading of the game. 6/10

The debutant Challenged against the opposition's biggest threat through their forward. Played more centrally to begin with but moved wider after Saka came on. Seven

The defender Advanced into midfield when in possession, something he's known for in the past. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball with the experiment discontinued at half-time. Six

The tall defender A constant threat on corners and free-kicks, per usual, could serve as another option for Stones at the back rather than paired with him. One wayward distribution after the break almost led to the first goal for Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly Another composed showing from the 20-year-old following his debut versus another side. A teammate did not capitalize on the most of a clever backheel behind the opposing backline. The left-back spot is firmly his so soon. 7/10

The newcomer A debut start for his country. Slightly careless when playing out though his inswinging set-pieces caused problems. An effective game manager available to the boss to call upon against sides that sit back. Cautioned for a rash foul. 6

Declan Rice Set-pieces from corners and free-kicks were dangerous. Was given room to drift down the left flank only to be offside as the pass came with a chance to score. Granted a merited substitution on the hour mark. 6/10

Jude Bellingham Operated in a forward role on the right while also contributed with dirty work. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance and mishit an effort high. Replaced late on by Rogers, his competition, following a yellow card. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Had England’s top opening of the first half, his shot well saved from the opposing goalkeeper. With a teammate holding position, he was forced to provide width on the right but his crosses from the touchline varied in quality. Substituted for the final quarter-hour. 6

Harry Kane The decisive figure with his 77th and 78th finishes at international level. The first a typical opportunist's goal and his next a classy finish with his head having drifted away from his marker. At 32, he’s only getting better with the national team stand a real opportunity in the upcoming tournament when he's in the team. 8

Eberechi Eze Found it tough to get into the game from the left. Was presented with a decent opportunity after being played in from a teammate but the keeper kept it out. Rashford made much more of an impact after coming on. 5/10

Substitutes

• Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Was bright connecting seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, 6/10
• Saka (on for the winger at the 63-minute mark) Spurned chances but his corner provided the breakthrough, Six
• Marcus Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Lively upon introduction and provided the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery to the back post, 7
• Anderson (on for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Looks established already, Six
• Rogers (for the star 84) Too brief a spell to influence the game, 6