England player ratings vs Albania: Harry Kane shines again as Jude Bellingham looks rusty | OneFootball

Rotated Three Lions struggled to break down their hosts

England wrapped up their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Albania that completed their 100 per cent winning record in Group K.

After a slow start, the score was goalless as the players headed to the break.

But a slight tactical tweak and the introduction of substitutes helped England raise their level and two goals from captain Harry Kane ensured the Three Lions confirmed a flawless record in their qualifying group as they finished their calendar year with yet another victory.

Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was on hand to rate the England players’ performances…

Dean Henderson 7

Is not going to move ahead of Jordan Pickford as first choice but did well, making two fine saves and producing a vital slide-tackle to stop a certain goal.

Jarell Quansah 7

The Bayer Leverkusen man was effective on debut, slotting in well at right-back and even proving an attacking outlet.

Dan Burn 5

Slightly difficult night for the Newcastle man, whose first touch was not always as good as it needed to be. Good in the air, though.

John Stones 6

The experiment of moving him into midfield in the first half didn’t work but he was solid at the back for England and passed well.

Nico O’Reilly 6

Carried the ball with purpose and put in another impressive showing at left-back.

Adam Wharton 6

A first start for the Crystal Palace midfielder who took risks and tried to play forward, the pass not always coming off as a result. Booked for one mistimed slide tackle.

Declan Rice 6

Looked shattered when he came off in the second half and that was because of how hard the Albanian midfielders had made him work. Tireless.

Jarrod Bowen 7

Was England’s best player on the night until Kane popped up with his two late goals. Never stopped running and didn’t shirk defensive duties.

Jude Bellingham 6

Involved in a lot of England’s better attacks on the night. Some nice touches here and there, and also a few slightly rusty moments.

Eberechi Eze 5

Struggled to get into the game and did seem to run into trouble at moments. Not as impactful as at Wembley on Thursday.

Harry Kane 8

Played one or two excellent long passes in the first half - and then scored two striker’s goals from close range to ensure England completed their 100 per cent record. Has more international goals than Pele now.

Subs:

Phil Foden (Rice, 62’) 7

Full of energy in a bright cameo in which he connected well with both Kane and Elliot Anderson.

Bukayo Saka (Eze, 62’) 6

Replaced Eze but played out on the right and did not have much impact on the night. Took the corner which Kane finished to open the scoring.

Elliot Anderson (Wharton, 75’) N/A

Marcus Rashford (Bowen, 75’) N/A

Morgan Rogers (Bellingham, 84’) N/A

Not used: Pickford, Trafford, James, Chalobah, J Henderson, Spence, Scott