England completed a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign after battling to a 2-0 victory against a dogged Albania. The visitors were frustrated for much of the game as they struggled to take their chances in front of goal, with Harry Kane sparing their blushes with a brace in the second-half.

Jude Bellingham had a night to forget in Tirana as he endured what was possibly his worst performance in an England shirt. And a number of his Three Lions team-mates also struggled to make a positive impact. But Thomas Tuchel’s side got the win, and Express Sport rates and slates the England players.

England player ratings vs Albania (4-3-3)

Dean Henderson: 8

Was forced to make a smart save from long-range in the early stages of the second-half before being called into action for a second time moments later. Then raced out to save his side a goal after John Stones had under hit a pass to his keeper. Is a capable back-up to Jordan Pickford.

Jarrell Quansah: 6

Was handed his first England cap after tasting success at the European Under-21 Championship in the summer and held his own. But didn’t really stand out and will struggle to nail down a regular starting place ahead of Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Dan Burn: 5

Had plenty of work to do at the back as he won his fifth cap, with Albania causing the Three Lions plenty of problems. But almost cost his side a goal after giving the ball away with a sloppy pass just after half-time.

John Stones: 7

Played at centre-back but was eager to push forward and occupy the central midfield position when his side were in possession. Could have won a penalty for his side early on after being dragged to the floor, but saw his claims for a spot kick dismissed. Clearly an influential player under Tuchel but almost cost his side with a hospital pass to Henderson.

Nico O’Reilly: 6

Broke forward with a lung-busting run early on as he showed his willingness to attack, before playing a delicious flick pass into the area during another attack in the second half. Was unconvincing at the back, however, and gave the ball away after taking a throw in down the left just before half-time.

Jude Bellingham: 3

Struggled to get into the game and couldn’t retain the ball at times. Lashed an excellent opportunity high over the bar in the second period and then gave the ball away a number of times as his evening ended with a yellow card. Appeared frustrated at Tuchel’s decision to bring him off. Was probably his weakest England performances ever and there are now question marks over whether he will be a guaranteed starter at the World Cup.

Declan Rice: 7

Attempted to run the show with another high-energy performance, but didn’t take corners, bizarrely, despite his exceptional deliveries. Always gets himself into great attacking positions and may have found the back of the net on another day.

Adam Wharton: 7

Started well as he looked to dominate the midfield battle. Attempted to make things happen by passing the ball forward when he got on the ball. Was booked for a heavy challenge in the closing stages of the first-half.

Jarrod Bowen: 7

Was lively from the outset and whipped three early crosses into the box. Got stuck in with a crunching tackle as well. Forced a decent save from the keeper just before the break. Started on the right but was shifted to the left when Bukayo Saka came on.

Harry Kane: 8

Had a quiet night by his standards for much of the game, with Albania demonstrating their defensive mettle by keeping him at bay. But burst into life and bagged two goals late on. He stole in from close range after Albania failed to deal with a corner for his first, before heading home a second.

Eberechi Eze: 6

Another attacking player to struggle against an organised Albanian defence. Definitely a player capable of making a big impact at the World Cup, but not his night in Tirana.

Substitutions

Phil Foden: 6

Came on for Declan Rice just after the hour mark but didn’t contribute much.

Bukayo Saka: 5

Replaced Eberechi Eze and joined Phil Foden in a double change before playing down the right. Had a good chance straight away but produced a tame effort and then fluffed another opportunity.

Elliot Anderson: 6

Came on for Adam Wharton with 15 minutes to go and will likely start at the World Cup ahead of the Crystal Palace man.

Marcus Rashford: 7

Was introduced in the place of Jarrod Bowen in a double change with Elliot Anderson and assisted Kane’s second goal.

Morgan Rogers: 6

Came on in the final 10 minutes for the underwhelming Bellingham.