England rounded off their qualifying campaign with a record-breaking victory, but a much-changed team laboured against Albania until Harry Kane surpassed Pelé for international goals with a double.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have for the first time gone through a World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent winning record, without conceding a goal, but in truth they were a little fortunate against an impressive Albania side. Jude Bellingham was restored to the starting XI and there was a first start in an England shirt for Adam Wharton, but did anyone make a clear case for a World Cup place in the United States next summer?
Telegraph Sport has rated each player. Leave your score and scroll to the bottom of the page to have your say in the comments.
England
Dean Henderson
Long spells without any action then called into work when Hoxha had a shot from long distance in the second half. Fourth cap confirms him as Tuchel’s No 2.
World Cup starter chances: Will be on the bench.
Jarell Quansah
Long-awaited debut for the Bayer Leverkusen defender after being in previous squads and being on standby for the last Euros. Solid enough display with several attacking runs. Header saved from set play.
World Cup starter chances: Back-up if needed.
John Stones
Stepped into midfield when England had possession and directed play well. Also good defensive work, with a block in the first half a standout moment.
World Cup starter chances: Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi in strong positions, but Stones gives Tuchel food for thought.
Dan Burn
Gave possession away for Hoxha chance in the second half after previously looking OK on the ball. His defending is fine but passing could lead to trouble.
World Cup starter chances: Others ahead of him.
Nico O’Reilly
Was good defensively and tried going forward and would have liked more success in the opposition territory. Clearly in the mix after getting these two opportunities during the international break.
World Cup starter chances: Tino Livramento is ahead of him, but he is ahead of Djed Spence now.
Declan Rice
Tireless running from the Arsenal midfielder, who had a couple of efforts from the edge of the area that went close. Tuchel has managed his minutes over the two games to make him have an impact in both.
World Cup starter chances: One of the first names on the teamsheet.
Adam Wharton
Took him a while to get into the game but then executed cute passes to get England forward. Was man-marked throughout, which was frustrating. Put in corners and set up Quansah with one.
World Cup starter chances: Looks back-up to Elliot Anderson.
Jarrod Bowen
Had a shot saved in the first half after Kane and Bellingham sent him through. Some good footwork on the right flank but end product needed to be better.
World Cup starter chances: Squad player.
Jude Bellingham
Fired up for his return to the starting line-up and was all over the pitch – defending in his own box and carrying England forward. Was enjoying it and did not look too happy about being taken off.
World Cup starter chances: Showed why he should start.
Eberechi Eze
Had a clear chance saved at the near post after Bellingham sent him through. Had quiet spells in the game, but got in some promising positions.
World Cup starter chances: Has been better as an impact sub this international camp.
Harry Kane
Excellent even before scoring the goals to take him past Pelé’s international record. Gets his head on opposition set-pieces in the box and creates in central midfield. Then gets on the end of chances.
World Cup starter chances: Guaranteed.
Substitutes
Phil Foden (for Eze 62), Bukayo Saka (Rice 62), Marcus Rashford (Bowen 75), Elliot Anderson (Wharton 75), Morgan Rogers (Bellingham 84). Unused Jordan Pickford (g), James Trafford (g), Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Jordan Henderson, Djed Spence, Alex Scott.
Rashford provided an excellent cross for Kane’s second goal, then went close himself. Foden proved that he can play in a team with Kane and Bellingham, after Tuchel suggested last week that he could not. Saka set up Kane’s first goal after coming on.