England completed a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over a tenacious Albania side. The visiting side were frustrated for much of the game as they struggled to convert chances in front of goal, but Harry Kane kept them safe with two goals in the second half.
Jude Bellingham had an unforgettable night in Tirana, enduring perhaps his worst performance in an England shirt. And many of his Three Lions teammates also struggled to make a positive impact. However, with Thomas Tuchel’s side emerging victorious, Express Sport has given England’s players their verdict.
England vs. Albania player ratings (4-3-3)
Dean Henderson: 8
He was forced into a smart save from long range early in the second half, but was called for a second play shortly after. John Stones then darted out to defend his team’s goal after underhitting a pass to the keeper. He is a capable backup to Jordan Pickford.
Jarrell Quansah: 6
Following his success at the European Under-21 Championship in the summer, he was given his first England cap, which he also retained. However, he has not had any outstanding performances and it will be difficult for him to secure a regular spot ahead of Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dan Byrne: 5
He won his fifth cap as Albania caused a lot of problems for the Three Lions, but there was a lot of work to be done at the back. However, just after half-time, a sloppy pass resulted in the ball being stolen from them and they almost gave up a goal.
John Stones: 7
Although he played as a centre-back, he was keen to move forward and occupy a central midfield position when his team had possession. There was also a chance the team would have won a penalty early on after being dragged to the floor, but their request for a spot kick was denied. He is clearly an influential player under Tuchel, but his hospital pass to Henderson almost cost the team.
Nico O’Reilly: 6
In the early stages, he showed his desire to attack by coming forward with some exciting runs, and in the second half, he played a delicious flick pass into the area. However, they were not satisfied with their position at the back of the field, and just before halftime, they gave away the ball after receiving a throw-in on the left.
Jude Bellingham: 3
He struggled to get into the game and had trouble holding the ball at times. After slamming a great chance over the bar in the second period, he gave away the ball too many times and his night ended with a yellow card. He appeared to be dissatisfied with Tuchel’s decision to send him off. It was probably his weakest performance for England to date and there are now question marks over whether he can definitely start at the World Cup.
Declan Rice: 7
Another high-energy performance tried to get the show going, but despite the exceptional performance, it strangely never turned a corner. He always put himself in great offensive positions and on another day might have found the back of the net.
Adam Wharton: 7
They got off to a strong start and appeared to be dominating the battle in the midfield. When he got on the ball, he tried to turn things around by passing forward. At the end of the first half, they were given a strong challenge.
Jarrod Bowen: 7
He was active from the start and smashed three crosses into the box early on. He also got caught in a crunch tackle. They forced a decent save from the keeper just before the break. He started on the right side but shifted to the left side with the introduction of Bukayo Saka.
Harry Kane: 8
Albania showed defensive mettle to keep him at bay and had a quiet night by his standards for the majority of the game. However, they regained their momentum in the final stages and scored two goals. After Albania missed their first corner kick, he fired a shot from close range and scored the second goal.
Eberechi Eze: 6
Another attacking player who struggles against the organized Albanian defense. There is no doubt that he is a player who can make a big impact at the World Cup, but that wasn’t the case that night in Tirana.
replacement
Phil Foden: 6
He came on as a substitute for Declan Rice shortly after the end of the season, but was unable to make much of a contribution.
Bukayo Saka: 5
He made a double change with Phil Foden in place of Eberechi Eze and played on the right wing. He had a good chance right away, but his shot was meekly taken, and then he missed another chance.
Elliot Anderson: 6
He came on for Adam Wharton with 15 minutes remaining and will likely start ahead of the Crystal Palace players at the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford: 7
He came on as a double change with Elliott Anderson in place of Jarrod Bowen and provided the assist for Kane’s second goal.
Morgan Rogers: 6
He came on for the final 10 minutes in place of a weaker Bellingham.
