🔗 Share this article

During a dominant showing, the English national team secured one more victory against their opponents, featuring several squad members turning in standout displays during the match.

First-choice Lineup

Dean Henderson Not a save required in the first half before forced to intervene from Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. One well-timed sliding challenge on an Albanian attacker showed his anticipation. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Tested by Albania’s main danger through Hoxha. Operated in a central role initially but moved to the flank after a teammate entered the fray. Seven

The defender Moved up the pitch when in possession, as he has done before. Sometimes was too casual on the ball with the tactic abandoned at half-time. Six

Dan Burn A constant threat from dead balls, typically, could serve as a replacement to Stones in the backline as opposed to paired with him. A careless distribution later in the match came close to a goal for the visitors. Six

Nico O’Reilly Another confident display by the 20-year-old after his initial appearance versus Serbia. A teammate did not capitalize on the most of an exquisite backheel behind the opposing backline. The role is his to lose at this stage. 7/10

The newcomer His first start in an England shirt. Slightly sloppy when playing out but his inswinging deliveries caused problems. A handy pace-controller for the manager to call upon versus defensive opponents. Cautioned for a poorly timed tackle. 6

The midfielder Set-pieces on corner kicks and free-kicks created chances. Was given room to drift down the left flank yet found himself in an offside position as the pass came in shooting positions. Awarded a well-earned substitution around the 60-minute point. 6

Jude Bellingham Functioned in an advanced role down the right while also did plenty of the hard yards. Showed glimpses of brilliance and scuffed an effort wide. Withdrawn in the closing stages for Rogers, his competition, after being booked. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Had the team's best chance before halftime, his shot well saved by the Albanian keeper. As a teammate holding position, he had to provide width on the right yet his deliveries from the touchline were hit and miss. Substituted late in the match. Six

The captain The match-winner with his two more finishes at international level. His first a typical opportunist's goal and 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 leading the line. Eight

Eberechi Eze Had difficulty to influence play from the left. Was presented with a good opening following a pass by the midfielder however the keeper denied him. Rashford made much more of influence after coming on. 5

Bench Players

• Phil Foden (replacing Rice 63) Looked lively and linked up effectively with Kane in a natural spot, 6
• Bukayo Saka (for the winger 63) Spurned chances but his corner created the opener, 6/10
• Marcus Rashford (for the attacker 75) Energetic when brought on and provided the captain's brace via an excellent ball to the back post, 7
• Anderson (on for Wharton 75) Looks established so soon, 6/10
• Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Not enough time to affect things, 6/10