Albania 0-2 England: Two goals from captain Harry Kane completed the Three Lions’ perfect qualification for next summer’s World Cup.
England capped a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win against Albania. Harry Kane scored twice in the second half, giving the Three Lions eight wins from eight games.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has brought changes to Tirana, who have already booked their place in next summer’s high-profile competitions. There were a total of seven changes from the win over Serbia, the most notable being the starting of Jude Bellingham in place of Morgan Rogers.
Albania, who were still in the play-off spots, posed a tough test in the opening stages and it took more than 30 minutes for England to have their first big chance, when Jarrod Bowen’s shot went wide behind for a corner.
The Three Lions had not conceded in their first seven games, but Albania had their chances, too, with Dean Henderson limited to two saves.
But with less than 20 minutes remaining and the home fans growing more confident, Kane was there to slot home from Bukayo Saka’s corner. Kane then rounded out the points with his second header, his 78th goal for the national team.
read more: Thomas Tuchel ‘easily’ allows Jude Bellingham into the country after the England star makes his feelings clearread more: Harry Kane lists two factors preventing him from winning the Ballon d’Or
England go into the World Cup having had a successful qualifying campaign with not only eight wins but eight clean sheets.
Mirror Sport’s chief football writer John Cross visited Albania and praised England’s players for another win.
England vs Albania player ratings
Dean Henderson 7 – Good save, great tackle. Currently, he has established himself as second only to Pickford.
Jarrell Quansah 5 – Finally made his England debut. The right-back centre-half looked uncomfortable.
John Stones 7 – England’s best defender and one of their best players. He stepped into the midfield and covered it.
Dan Byrne 6 – Not good enough with the ball. His height is a threat, but his passing was poor.
Nico O’Reilly 7 – Showed he can also defend with good trackback and tenacious defense.
Adam Wharton 6 – Reserved. He made his first start and had some quality moments. It was okay.
Jude Bellingham 8 – Proved his point with outstanding work speed and great quality. England’s X Factor.
Declan Rice 7 – He has done so much work that he has stranded himself. The second half stalled.
Jarrod Bowen 7 – Always shifts and makes a good impression whenever he gets the chance. I went close.
Eberechi Eze 6 – Should have scored, but was denied by a fine save. A restraint protruding to the left.
Harry Kane 8 – British Captain Marvel. He’s on the pitch to score goals and that’s his job.
substitute
Foden, Rice, 63 minutes, 7
Saka to Eze, 63 minutes, 7
Anderson to Wharton, 75 minutes
Rushford to Bowen, 75 minutes
Rogers to Bellingham, 84 minutes
Subs: Pickford, Trafford, James, Charova, Saka, J. Henderson, Rashford, Spence, Rodgers, Foden, Anderson, Scott.
Man of the Match: Harry Kane Another record, more goals, a perfect night.
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