ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: Harry Kane scores after 500 days while Raheem Sterling was a constant threat

England made light work of Albania in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday, easing to a 2-1 victory.

Having cruised past San Marino 5-0 on Thursday, Gareth Southgate‘s men made it two wins from two despite a dogged defensive effort from Albania that disrupted England’s flow for most of the first half 

Sportsmail’s Sami Mokbel assessed each England player’s performance. 

Captain Harry Kane led by example and scored his first goal in 500 days for his country

Nick Pope – 6 

First goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets in his first six England games – yet questions over his distribution remain.

Kyle Walker – 6.5 

Spent most of the game making attacking inroads down the right. Showed all his experience to help see the game out. Booked

John Stones – 6.5

Kept his place in the team and played his part in England’s sixth consecutive clean sheet.

Harry Maguire – 6.5 

Remains one of England’s most important players heading into the Euros. Cruised through this game.

Luke Shaw impressed on his first England cap since November 2019, assisting Kane’s opener

Luke Shaw – 7

First international cap since November 2019 and celebrated by creating his side’s crucial opener. One of England’s biggest winners on the night. 

Declan Rice – 7 

The engine in England’s midfield. Showed discipline when needed but was willing to break the lines when the opportunity presented itself.

Kalvin Phillips – 6.5

Unspectacular in central midfield but did the job his manager asked as he ensured England weren’t caught.

Raheem Sterling (right) was a constant thorn in the Albanians’ side throughout the match

Raheem Sterling – 7.5 

A thorn in the Albanians backside. The host’s were very obviously wary of the Manchester City star’s brilliance.

Mason Mount – 7 

Recovered from an early mistake that nearly presented Albania with a shock opener to notch England’s second. 

Phil Foden – 7

Growing in confidence at international level. Probed and posed constant problems for the Albanians.

Phil Foden (right) put in another confident performance in an England shirt against Albania

Harry Kane – 8 

Took a step closer to Wayne Rooney’s all-time goalscoring record with his first goal for England in 500 days. Assisted Mount’s goal to boot. Booked. 

Subs: Ward-Prowse (for Phillips 71); Lingard (Foden 81)

Subs not used: Trippier, Coady, Johnstone, Mings, Calvert-Lewin, Watkins, Chilwell, Henderson, James, Bellingham.

Gareth Southgate -7 

Doubts over England’s system and style of play will linger after this. But, once again, job done for the Three Lions boss. 

Questions may linger over England’s system but Gareth Southgate’s men got the job done

Albania (4-3-3): Berisha 7; Hysaj 6, Ismajli 6.5, Djimsiti 5, Veseli 6; Laci 6 (Ramadani 90), Bare 6 (Memushaj, 71), Memolla 6 (Gjasula 59); Çikalleshi 6 (Manaj 59), Broja 6 (Lenjani 59), Uzuni 6. 

Subs: Selmani, Strakosha, Ajeti, Hoxhallari, Doka , Kallaku, Kamberi. 

Booked: Bare, Hysaj, Gjasula 

Referee: Orel Grinfeeld (ISR) – 6 

Strange decision to book Kane for a 50/50 challenge, but other than that a relatively quiet 90 minutes. 

Man of the Match: Kane