🔗 Share this article

Throughout a impressive performance, England clinched a further win against their opponents, featuring a number of squad members producing notable displays throughout the game.

First-choice XI

The goalkeeper Was rarely tested to make before the break until forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s bent shot. One well-timed sliding challenge against Qazim Laci highlighted his anticipation. Six out of ten

Jarell Quansah Challenged by Albania’s biggest threat in their forward. Played more centrally to begin with but moved out wide once Saka entered the fray. 7/10

John Stones Pushed up the pitch with the ball at his feet, a familiar role previously. Sometimes lacked urgency when carrying play with the experiment abandoned after the break. 6

Dan Burn Always dangerous from dead balls, typically, could serve as an alternative for Stones at the back instead of alongside him. A loose distribution later in the match nearly resulted in the first goal from Albania. 6

Nico O’Reilly A further assured showing from the youngster after his initial appearance versus Serbia. A teammate was unable to take full advantage of a clever touch behind the opposing backline. The left-back spot looks secure at this stage. Seven

Adam Wharton His first start in an England shirt. A bit loose on the ball but his dangerous set-pieces caused problems. A useful tempo-setter for the manager to have versus sides that sit back. Shown a yellow after a reckless tackle. 6

The midfielder Deliveries from dead balls and set-plays created chances. Enjoyed freedom to roam in left midfield yet found himself offside upon receiving in shooting positions. Awarded a well-earned break on the hour mark. 6/10

The star midfielder Played in an advanced spot down the right and put in defensive duties. Demonstrated moments of class and dragged an attempt high. Replaced towards the end by a teammate, a fellow player, following a yellow card. 7/10

The winger Was presented with England’s best chance in the opening period, his shot well saved by Thomas Strakosha. As a teammate hanging back, he had to stretch the play on the right but his crosses from wide areas were hit and miss. Replaced late in the match. 6

The captain The decisive figure netting seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth finishes in an England shirt. His first a typical poacher’s finish and the second a classy header following a clever run off his defender. Aged 32, he continues to improve with the national team stand a real opportunity next summer when he's in the team. 8/10

The attacker Struggled to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a decent opportunity following a pass by Bellingham however Strakosha denied him. Rashford made much more of an impact after coming on. 5

Replacements

• Foden (replacing Rice 63) Appeared sharp and combined seamlessly with the striker in a preferred position, 6/10
• Bukayo Saka (on for the winger 63) Failed to convert yet his delivery led to the breakthrough, Six
• Rashford (replacing Bowen with 15 left) Energetic upon introduction assisting the captain's brace with a brilliant delivery into the area, 7/10
• Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled at this level, Six
• Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham with minutes remaining) Too brief a spell to affect things, 6