🔗 Share this article

In a impressive performance, the English national team secured another victory versus their opponents, with several players delivering standout displays during the match.

Starting Eleven

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to make in the first half but then forced to intervene by an opponent's curled attempt. One well-timed sliding intervention on an Albanian attacker showed his game intelligence. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Tested by the opposition's main danger through Hoxha. Played more centrally to begin with then shifted out wide once Saka was introduced. 7

John Stones Advanced forward on the ball, as he has done in the past. On occasion lacked urgency on the ball and the approach was shelved after the break. Six

The tall defender A constant threat at set pieces, typically, could serve as another option to his teammate in the backline as opposed to his partner. A loose pass after the break nearly resulted in a goal from Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly One more composed showing from the 20-year-old following his initial appearance against Serbia. Saka failed to make the opportunity from a gorgeous touch over the Albania defence. The left-back spot is his to lose at this stage. 7/10

The newcomer His first start with the national team. Slightly sloppy when playing out however his whipped deliveries caused problems. An effective pace-controller for the coach to have against defensive opponents. Booked for a rash tackle. 6

The midfielder Set-pieces from corners and set-plays were dangerous. Enjoyed license to roam down the left flank only to be offside upon receiving in shooting positions. Granted a merited rest after an hour. 6/10

The star midfielder Operated in an advanced position out wide and also put in defensive duties. Demonstrated flashes of quality and scuffed an attempt over. Replaced towards the end for a teammate, his competition, after receiving a caution. Seven

Jarrod Bowen Had England’s top opening before halftime, his shot smartly stopped from the opposing goalkeeper. As a teammate staying deep, it fell to him to stretch the play down the right side yet his deliveries from wide areas were inconsistent. Taken off late in the match. Six

The captain The difference-maker scoring 77th and 78th goals for his country. His first a trademark opportunist's goal and his next an excellent header having drifted away away from the opposition. Now 32, he continues to improve and England stand a real opportunity in future competitions when he's in the team. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Found it tough to make an impact out wide. Was presented with a presentable chance when set up by Bellingham yet Strakosha denied him. Rashford made much more of effect in his place. 5

Replacements

• Phil Foden (for Rice 63) Looked lively connecting seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, 6/10
• Bukayo Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Missed opportunities yet his delivery led to the breakthrough, Six
• Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Energetic after coming on and set up the captain's brace via an excellent ball to the far post, 7/10
• Elliot Anderson (for Wharton 75) Appears comfortable at this level, Six
• Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham 84) Insufficient minutes to affect things, Six