Player Ratings: Albania 0-2 England

Nick Pope: 6/10

In his second successive start for his national team, he failed to face a single shot on target from home side, Albania. This means that the keeper had faced just a single shot on target in two games, which was a comfortable cap.

This means that he adds another cap and clean sheet to his record, however, from personal reflection, will he think he hasn’t been able to impress Gareth Southgate in Jordan Pickford’s absence in order to take the starting spot at the Euros?

Kyle Walker: 7/10

A dominating defensive display allowed the Manchester City right-back to keep the home team at bay. He was successful with his aerial duels and was commanding in attack, moving the ball forward quickly and efficiently, allowing swift transitioning phases for the visitors.

John Stones: 7/10

Another player who enjoyed his second successive national team start, this time with club rival, Harry Maguire, playing alongside him. They enjoyed a successful reign at the back together with the strict philosophy of playing the ball into the channels and in the air in a bid to combat with the tough surfaces.

Harry Maguire: 7/10

The commanding defender earned his first cap of 2021 with a commanding display for his national team. With a strong aerial presence and an air of calmness on the ball, Albania seemed to run out of rolls on the dice in an attempt to dislodge the England defense.

Luke Shaw: 7/10

In his first international appearance of the year, the Manchester United left-back found himself in familiar territory alongside Manchester United teammate, Harry Maguire. This evident chemistry shone through as they enjoyed sharing spells of possession between each other and things got better for Shaw as he got the game up and running with an assist to his name in the first half.

Declan Rice: 8/10

The holding midfielder showed his worth as the youngster enjoyed a dominant display in the middle of the park. With the West Ham midfielder completing 107 passes out of 111, it was clear to see that the tough conditions did not faze him.

This efficient display allowed him to build on his performance as the minutes rolled by and really stamped his authority on proceedings.

Kalvin Phillips: 7/10

The Leeds man showed progress after a tough time in the previous game, evidently finding his feet at national level and progress was evident as Phillips was more commanding on the ball whilst looking to carry it forward. However, perhaps down to fatigue or squad rotation, Gareth Southgate was convinced he had seen enough when James Ward-Prowse replaced him with twenty minutes still to play.

Mason Mount: 7/10

The young midfielder won more plaudits for his determined running and forward intent on a tough, uncut Albanian surface. He rounded off his performance by putting the game beyond doubt with half an hour on the clock with a well taken finish past the goalkeeper.

Phil Foden: 7/10

Another youngster who looks more than capable of shining on the international stage with a well rounded performance for his national team. With non-stop running on and off the ball and tricky feet, Foden helped spark the creative side of England’s play.

With ten minutes to go, after he could run no more, he was given a rest ahead of a potential tricky tie against the Poland on the schedule for the following week.

Harry Kane: 7/10

England’s captain and talisman struck again as he was the first to cement his name on the score sheet. Valuable minutes into the tank will allow him to be prepared for the potential showdown of the two best strikers in modern football when he comes to face opposition striker, Robert Lewandowski, in next week’s final international fixture.

The forward never stops his forward running and his ability to hold the ball up and drag his teammates into play with a cut throat pass is something special and will be integral to England’s hopes of a successful summer tournament on the horizon.

Raheem Sterling: 6/10

Uncharacteristically, the wide man struggled to find his feet as it seemed the ball just wouldn’t fall kindly to him. With misplaced passes and wayward shots, it was certainly a performance Raheem Sterling will be looking to forget.

(SUB) James Ward-Prowse: 6/10

(SUB) Jesse Lingard: 6/10