England winners and losers after Albania win as star blows last chance | Football | Sport
England ended their World Cup qualifying campaign with a perfect record, winning every single match, scoring 22 goals and keeping a clean sheet in each game. The latest came in a 2-0 victory over Albania, where a second-half brace from captain Harry Kane proved the difference.
The skipper will be the first name on the teamsheet in North America next summer, but who will join him is subject to debate. A host of players will have done themselves a favour with their performance in Tirana, but others face the prospect of missing out. Here are your winners and losers…
Winners
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford came off the bench to claim an assist, at a time when the Three Lions are in search of a natural left winger. He has been in scintillating form for Barcelona this season and has rarely disappointed when in an England shirt.
His main competition is thought to be Anthony Gordon, who missed this squad through injury, and Eberechi Eze, who caught criticism from Roy Keane after an underwhelming display.
Morgan Rogers
He may have played just six minutes, but the previous 84 will have proved even more important. That’s because Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers’ competition for the number 10 role, struggled immensely in Tirana.
So much so that he fumed at Tuchel when substituted in the closing stages, a stark contrast to recent games when the Aston Villa man has shone for his country. He will be pushing for a starting spot at the World Cup and moved a step closer in Albania.
Losers
Jude Bellingham
He may well be in Tuchel’s bad books after an angry reaction to being substituted, at a time when his place in the team was already in question.
There should be no doubt over Bellingham’s status as a starter, but issues keep cropping up and once again the Real Madrid man failed to prove he deserves a spot over Rogers, or even Phil Foden.
Jarrel Quansah
Given a chance at right-back in what was to be his final chance to impress Tuchel in a competitive match before the World Cup, but flattered to deceive in an unfamiliar role.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has played there previously, for Liverpool, but cannot perform to the same level as Reece James or Trent Alexander-Arnold.
With John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa all thought to be ahead in the pecking order at centre-back, Quansah has little chance of being on the plane to North America next summer. He has a bright future, however, and can be expected to be in the England setup for many years to come.








