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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nick Ames

Albania 0-2 England: player ratings for Gareth Southgate’s team

Declan Rice, seen here with Albania’s Sokol Cikalleshi, was at the heart of the action and was comfortable throughout.
Declan Rice, seen here with Albania’s Sokol Cikalleshi, was at the heart of the action and was comfortable throughout. Photograph: Ozan Köse/AFP/Getty Images

Nick Pope Untroubled and will cherish a sixth clean sheet in six, but a couple of iffy moments with the ball at his feet. 6

Kyle Walker Tested Etrit Berisha from range in the first half and occasionally got forward with menace. Booked after the break. 6

John Stones Almost had an early sniff from Foden’s corner. Rest of the game was largely an exercise in concentration. 6

Harry Maguire Prevailed when tested, although such occasions were rare. Minor moment of confusion with Pope in the second half. 6

Luke Shaw First moment of influence was decisive, clipping in the inch-perfect cross from which Kane scored the opener. 7

Declan Rice Did his best to raise the early tempo with a couple of sharp interceptions and bursts. Comfortable throughout. 7

Kalvin Phillips Struggled to move the ball quickly on a slow pitch but adapted to perform credibly and occasionally marauded upfield. 6

Raheem Sterling Grew into the game like many of his teammates, teeing up Kane and Foden for efforts against the woodwork. 7

Mason Mount Loose pass led to an early opening for Myrto Uzuni, but a cool finish epitomised his and England’s improvement. 7

Phil Foden Looked bright even during England’s slow start. Wicked set pieces and agonisingly close to a second-half goal. 7

Harry Kane Hardly involved before converting Shaw’s cross when it mattered, then hit the bar and assisted Mount’s clincher. Booked. 7 (man of the match)

Subs Ward-Prowse (for Phillips, 71) 6; Lingard (for Foden, 81) 6.

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