Harry Kane bagged a brace in England’s 2-0 win over Albania in their final World Cup qualifier, while a number of his team-mates were well below their best
England secured a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a tenacious Albania.
The visitors found themselves frustrated for much of the match, struggling to capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal, until Harry Kane came to the rescue with a second-half double.
Jude Bellingham had a night to forget in Tirana, delivering what could be his worst performance in an England kit. Several of his Three Lions colleagues also struggled to make a positive impact.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s team clinched the win, and Daily Star Sport provides ratings and reviews for the England players.
Dean Henderson, 8 – He was forced to make a clever save from long-range early in the second half, before being called into action again shortly after.
He then dashed out to prevent a goal after John Stones under-hit a pass to him. He proves to be a competent back-up to Jordan Pickford, reports the Express.
Jarrell Quansah, 6 – Earning his first England cap after success at the European Under-21 Championship in the summer, he held his own.
However, he didn’t particularly stand out and will find it challenging to secure a regular starting position ahead of Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dan Burn, 5 – With his fifth cap, he had plenty of work to do at the back as Albania gave the Three Lions a run for their money. But he nearly cost his team a goal after losing possession with a careless pass just after the interval.
John Stones, 7 – Played in the centre-back position but was keen to move forward and take up a central midfield role when his team had possession.
He could have secured a penalty for his side early on after being pulled down, but his appeals for a spot kick were dismissed.
Clearly a key player under Tuchel, he nearly cost his team with a risky pass to Henderson.
Nico O’Reilly, 6 – Made an energetic forward run early on, demonstrating his attacking intent, before delivering a superb flick pass into the box during another second-half attack.
However, his defensive performance was less convincing, and he lost possession after taking a throw-in on the left just before half-time.
Jude Bellingham, 3 – Had difficulty getting involved in the game and struggled to keep hold of the ball at times.
He sent a great chance soaring over the bar in the second half and then repeatedly lost possession, ending his night with a yellow card.
He seemed frustrated by Tuchel’s decision to substitute him. This was likely one of his weakest performances for England, raising doubts about whether he will be a sure-fire starter at the World Cup.
Declan Rice, 7 – Tried to dominate the game with another high-energy display, but oddly didn’t take corners, despite his excellent delivery skills. He consistently finds himself in good attacking positions and might have scored on another day.
Adam Wharton, 7 – He started strong, aiming to control the midfield. He tried to initiate plays by passing the ball forward whenever he got possession.
He received a booking for a hefty tackle towards the end of the first half.
Jarrod Bowen, 7 – From the get-go, he was energetic and delivered three early crosses into the box. He also put in a solid tackle.
Just before half-time, he forced a good save from the goalkeeper. He began on the right but moved to the left when Bukayo Saka was brought on.
Harry Kane, 8 – By his standards, he had a quiet game for most of the match, with Albania’s defence successfully keeping him at bay. However, he came alive towards the end, scoring two late goals.
His first came from close range after Albania failed to clear a corner, and he then headed in a second.
Eberechi Eze, 6 – Like other attackers, he struggled against a well-organised Albanian defence. He is certainly a player who could make a significant impact at the World Cup, but it wasn’t his night in Tirana.
Substitutions:
Phil Foden, 6 – He replaced Declan Rice just past the hour mark but didn’t contribute much.
Bukayo Saka, 5 – He came on for Eberechi Eze and joined Phil Foden in a double substitution, playing on the right. He had a good opportunity immediately but his effort was weak, and he missed another chance later.
Elliot Anderson, 6 – He replaced Adam Wharton with 15 minutes remaining and is likely to start ahead of the Crystal Palace player at the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford, 7 – He was brought on as a substitute for Jarrod Bowen, alongside Elliot Anderson, and provided the assist for Kane’s second goal.
Morgan Rogers, 6 – Rogers was introduced in the last 10 minutes, replacing an underperforming Bellingham.