Who ‘Didn’t Show Enough’ Against Albania? How England’s Players Rated
England’s players England’s latest fixture in their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania ended with a 2-0 win, but while the result was important, several players’ performances left much to be desired. While the victory kept England on course for qualification, certain individuals failed to step up to expectations, with some failing to produce the level of intensity required for a convincing performance. Here’s how the England players fared in the match and who “didn’t show enough.”
Table of Contents
England’s Starting XI: A Mix of Promise and Frustration
England’s players Gareth Southgate named a relatively strong side against Albania, but it was clear early on that the performance would be under the microscope. Although England managed to secure the three points, they struggled to break down Albania’s defensive setup, and some key players failed to impress.
Jordan Pickford (Goalkeeper) – 7/10: Steady at the Back
England’s players As the last line of defense, Jordan Pickford didn’t have to do much in terms of shot-stopping, with Albania failing to test him seriously. England’s players He was solid with his distribution, playing the ball out confidently, and commanded his area when necessary. There were a couple of nervy moments, but overall, Pickford’s performance was steady. He was rarely called into action but was solid when needed.
Kyle Walker (Right-back) – 6/10: Lack of Impact Going Forward
England’s players Walker was solid defensively but didn’t contribute much to England’s attack. His pace and strength helped him deal with Albania’s counterattacks, but he was not as involved in England’s build-up play as he has been in previous games. Walker’s deliveries into the box lacked quality, and while he was reliable at the back, he didn’t offer enough going forward to make a significant impact on the match.
John Stones (Centre-back) – 7/10: Calm and Composed
England’s players Stones, alongside Harry Maguire, was relatively untroubled by the Albanian attack. He was composed on the ball and read the game well. There were a few moments where he was called into action, and he dealt with them well. Stones made some excellent interceptions and was tidy in possession. His performance was solid, and he helped keep the Albanian forwards at bay without being called into any major saves.
Harry Maguire (Centre-back) – 6/10: Still Not at His Best
England’s players Harry Maguire’s performance was not one of his most commanding, and there were moments where he seemed slightly off his best. Although he wasn’t severely tested by Albania, he appeared hesitant at times in possession, and his usual authority at the back was missing. He was guilty of a couple of misplaced passes, and while he was strong in the air and in one-on-one situations, Maguire’s performance didn’t meet the level of leadership and reliability that England have come to expect from him.
Luke Shaw (Left-back) – 8/10: Consistent and Dangerous
England’s players Luke Shaw was one of the brighter spots of England’s performance. He was constant in his overlaps, providing width for England and getting into dangerous positions in the final third. Shaw’s crossing was on point, and his work rate didn’t go unnoticed. Defensively, he was solid and rarely troubled by Albania’s attacks. His consistent contribution both going forward and in defensive phases makes him one of the standout performers of the game.
Declan Rice (Midfield) – 7/10: Defensive Shield with Good Distribution
England’s players Rice performed his usual role in midfield well, providing the necessary defensive shield for the backline. He was reliable in breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively. Though he didn’t grab the headlines with any attacking contributions, Rice’s work in the middle of the park was crucial to maintaining control of the game for England. His positioning and awareness were key in limiting Albania’s chances.
Jude Bellingham (Midfield) – 6/10: Not as Effective as Usual
England’s players Bellingham struggled to influence the game as much as he has in previous England appearances. His work rate was commendable, and he was involved in the build-up play, but he wasn’t able to make the same kind of impact going forward that has defined his recent performances. There were moments where his decision-making was lacking, and he failed to link up effectively with England’s forwards. Overall, Bellingham didn’t show enough to really stamp his authority on the game.
Mason Mount (Midfield) – 5/10: Disappointing Performance
England’s players Mason Mount, one of England’s most consistent performers in recent years, was largely ineffective against Albania. He failed to get on the ball in dangerous areas and didn’t create the same level of chances that fans have come to expect. Mount’s passing was wayward at times, and he struggled to break down the Albanian defense. His performance was one of the most disappointing of the evening, as he didn’t provide the creativity or energy that England needed in the final third.
Raheem Sterling (Winger) – 7/10: Scorer but Missed Chances
England’s players Sterling made his presence felt in the game by scoring England’s first goal, but his overall performance was a mixed bag. He was dangerous at times, especially when running at the Albanian defense, but his final product was lacking. Sterling had a couple of other opportunities to score or create assists but wasn’t able to capitalize. While his goal was crucial and showed his clinical side, he will feel that he could have been more involved throughout the match. Nonetheless, his contribution to the scoreline cannot be overlooked.
Harry Kane (Striker) – 6/10: A Quiet Night at the Office
England’s players Harry Kane, as the focal point of England’s attack, had a relatively quiet night. He wasn’t given many opportunities to showcase his finishing ability, and when chances did come his way, his usual sharpness was lacking. Kane dropped deep to get involved in the build-up play, but the chances that came his way in the box weren’t converted. His frustration was evident, but England’s attacking play was disjointed, making it hard for Kane to make his usual impact on the game. Overall, it wasn’t a performance that did justice to his abilities.
Jack Grealish (Substitute) – 7/10: Sparkled When Introduced
England’s players Jack Grealish’s introduction in the second half added an extra spark to England’s attack. His dribbling and creativity were exactly what England needed to break down Albania’s defensive block. Grealish’s close control and vision allowed him to find space in tight areas, and while he didn’t get an assist, his involvement in England’s more fluid attacking play was evident. His performance was a reminder of what he can bring to the team, and it’s likely he’ll be pushing for more starting opportunities in the future.
Who Didn’t Show Enough?
While England secured the win, several players were disappointing. Mason Mount’s lack of impact was the most notable, as he’s often relied upon to dictate play and create chances. His performance was far below the high standards he’s set for himself. Harry Kane also had a quieter performance, with few chances to showcase his talent. Bellingham, despite his potential, didn’t quite offer the same energy or creativity as he has in recent games.
However, it was clear that England’s attacking play as a whole struggled to click, and this was particularly evident in the final third. Although Sterling scored, the team’s overall lack of cohesion in attack was frustrating. Players like Kane and Mount, who are expected to lead the charge, need to show more in these kinds of matches.
Conclusion: A Win, but Plenty to Improve
Despite the 2-0 victory over Albania, England’s performance highlighted areas where improvement is needed. While players like Luke Shaw and Declan Rice showed up well, others, notably Mason Mount and Harry Kane, struggled to make their mark. The result was important, but it also serves as a reminder that England will need more from their key players in the upcoming fixtures if they are to continue their journey towards the World Cup with confidence.
