ENGLAND completed a remarkable clean sweep in their 2026 World Cup qualifying stage.
The Three Lions will compete in their summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico having won all eight of their qualifiers without conceding a single goal.
Thomas Tuchel’s men left it late but picked up an impressive 2-0 win over Albania in Tirana.
England captain Harry Kane opened the scoring on 74 minutes and completed a historic brace eight minutes later that saw him overtaking Pele’s international goal record.
England sealed a stunning record, with Spain close to doing the same only in six qualifiers.
But who stood out? SunSport’s Tom Barclay rates each England star:
Dean Henderson: 7
A rare run-out with established No1 Jordan Pickford rested, Dean Henderson had more to do than he might have expected on his fourth cap.
Did well to tip wide an Arber Hoxha drive early in the second half, before denying the Dinamo Zagreb ace again minutes later.
Jarell Quansah: 5
A centre-back by trade, but Jarell Quansah made his long-awaited debut filling in at right-back.
England missed Reece James’ delivery, while Quansah had livewire Hoxha to deal with.
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John Stones: 7
Call him John “Stepping” Stones as he kept stepping into midfield, with Quansah often tucking in behind him.
It was a smart tactic given the dominance England had in possession and Stones’ ability on the ball.
Dan Burn: 5
Gave the ball away carelessly which led to a big Albania chance earlier in the second half, but fortunately Hoxha hit it straight at Henderson.
Burn has been the big winner of the Tuchel reign so far, going from uncapped to, at worst, third-choice centre-back but he had a mixed night here.
Nico O’Reilly: 6
He did OK but this was his chance to nail down the left-back position and it is fair to say he did not do that.
The fact that Nico O’Reilly, still only 20 and on his second cap, had that opportunity speaks as much to his fantastic talent as it does to the lack of compelling options at left-back.
Declan Rice: 6
The Arsenal man really does play high up the pitch for Tuchel, sometimes even drifting into the No10 position.
It was from there that Declan Rice had England’s first two half-chances of the game but could not convert. Amazingly now up to 72 caps, despite only being 26.
Adam Wharton: 5
Made his first start and, surprisingly, was on corner duties rather than Rice, floating outswingers with his left foot.
Booked for a crunching tackle on Kristjan Asllani and though he had some decent moments, did not get on the ball as frequently as Elliot Anderson has in recent games.
Jarrod Bowen: 6
Enthusiastic with his pressing at all times but could not beat Thomas Strakosha after a flowing move in the first half.
This was a real opportunity to stake a claim as back-up to Bukayo Saka, given Noni Madueke is still out, yet Jarrod Bowen did not provide a compelling case that it should be him.
Jude Bellingham: 7
The big man was back from the start and though this was not his most electric performance, you could not take your eyes off him.
Had one lovely one-two with Harry Kane in the first half that led to Bowen’s chance and then teed up Eberechi Eze with a delightful pass after the break.
Was booked for a poor foul and did not look a happy bunny when subbed.
Eberechi Eze: 6
The Arsenal man looks more of an impact player than a starter, on this evidence.
Not as quick as Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon, albeit more gifted in tight spaces. Missed a decent chance when teed up by Bellingham’s sublime ball.
Harry Kane: 8
Surpassed the international haul of the late, great Pele by scoring his 77th and 78th goals for his country.
Kane’s first was a poacher’s finish from Saka’s corner and his second was a confident header to convert Rashford’s excellent cross.
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Bukayo Saka (on for Eze): 7
Had a shot within seconds of coming on, but could not beat Strakosha. His corner set up Kane’s opener.
Phil Foden (for Rice): 7
Went into midfield alongside Bellingham – so the pair CAN play together, Thomas!
Marcus Rashford (for Bowen): 7
Brilliant cross for Kane’s second.
Elliot Anderson (for Wharton): 7
Looks so assured at this level.
Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham): 6
Little time to make much of an impact.
Thomas Tuchel: 8
A flawless campaign brilliantly masterminded by the German.
He has England looking hungry, well-organised, dangerous off the bench and like a team.
This was not the finest performance under him but England got the job done, to finish a campaign with 24 points out of 24 – 22 goals scored, and none conceded.
