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    If the World Cup started today Marcus Rashford wouldn’t be in the XI – latest England performance sums up his struggles

    MARCUS RASHFORD was given another chance by Thomas Tuchel — but again failed to shine.If you were to scribble down your starting XI for next year’s World Cup, Rashford would not be included.Marcus Rashford must do better to stay in the England pictureCredit: GettyRashford only had one attempt on goal against LatviaCredit: RexNearly all his touches were out wide in the attacking thirdThe Aston Villa loanee created six chances but lacked a killer passCredit: RexAnd the 27-year-old’s frustrating performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia summed up his struggles at club level over the past couple of seasons.He created six chances according to the stats — but it did not feel like it.The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, played with bags of positivity in the first half.He had too much pace for the ­Latvian right-back Roberts Savalnieks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he also supported his defenders on the rare occasions the visitors attacked.Rashford was certainly acting on the criticism dished out by boss Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win over Albania.Equally, the killer pass was not there. And after switching to the right in the second half, he barely had a kick before being replaced by Curtis Jones.Rashford is not the only player to fail to cause havoc in the final third during two lacklustre England performances.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the competition down that left position is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past.Jack Grealish’s career has gone backwards while Phil Foden has under-performed for England and moaned about being played out on the left during Euro 2024.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsAnthony Gordon, injured for this game, would be your man in that spot if the World Cup started tomorrow.Eberechi Eze also looked decent on the left when he came on and scored a deflected third.But Rashford still has a chance — purely because his international boss seems desperate for him to succeed.Tuchel has started him in back-to-back games, a luxury he has barely been afforded for club or country over the last 18 months, and an indication of just how far Rashford’s star has fallen.He lasted 74 minutes before being replaced against Albania on Friday and was afforded just five more minutes than that at Wembley last night.Tuchel has only signed a short-term contract and although he has thrown Myles Lewis-Skelly into the mix, looks determined to stick with experience.Rashford — who won his 62nd cap — comes into that bracket.And when the German announced his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford’s workrate for Villa —  something he was often criticised for at United.It is still early days for him under Villa boss Unai Emery. His nine appearances have included just two starts and he is yet to score.The last time Rashford found the net was his brace in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.When Rashford did find his way past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass was not good enough.After swapping flanks with Jarrod Bowen following the break, he played a small role in the build-up to the second goal scored by Harry Kane — but otherwise was still not involved enough.Maybe fatigue due to his lack of games was a cause.But you would still expect Rashford to remain in the squad for England’s next two games in June — a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen you consider the rotten time Rashford has endured of late — much of it self-inflicted — he is lucky to be back in the England team.The jury remains out on whether he can make the most of that good fortune.Rashford struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

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    ‘This is rock bottom’ – Mauricio Pochettino accused of ‘gaslighting’ US football fans as they slump to terrible new low

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO was accused of “gaslighting” US football fans after his side slumped to LAST place in the Concacaf Nations League finals.Poch’s side lost 2-1 to Canada in the third-place game in Los Angeles, with Mexico beating Panama to lift the trophy.USA manager Mauricio Pochettino was accused of ‘gaslighting’ fansCredit: GettyPochettino saw his USA side slump to last place in the Concacaf Nations League finalsCredit: GettyBut a second successive defeat in four days piled the pressure on the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss, with fans inside the So-Fi Stadium questioning the commitment of his team.Pochettino tried to downplay the significance of the loss, which followed on from a shock reverse to Panama on Thursday.He said: “It’s better to lose now because I think we have time.“Because if we will be in this situation in one year time, for sure. I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem. SOS’.”Read More on FootballUS legend Landon Donovan was among the critics of a side including former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.Donovan said: “I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for.“If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s*** about playing for your national team, decline the invite. Talent is great, pride is better.”Former Bolton and USA midfielder Stuart Holden added: “Pochettino is gaslighting us.Most read in Football“US Soccer created this situation by going for a big hire and nothing matters for Pochettino before the World Cup.“But this is rock bottom. Can you imagine what would have happened if Greg Berhalter was still the coach? Pochettino warned ‘there’s a lot of things that need to change’ by ex-Chelsea star after he’s named USA manager“He would have been fired in the locker room. He wouldn’t have made it out of the stadium.“It went as badly as it could have done for Pochettino and the team. There are question marks over every part of the pitch.”Argentine Poch urged agitated fans to keep calm, although he conceded too many of his players had been in “automatic pilot” mode.He said: ”This was the floor but we can rise up. I’d say to the fans, don’t be pessimistic, don’t get bad feelings.“We have time and I’d prefer this to happen now than in one year.“Of course we are all disappointed. The fans need to feel that. But I’m not going to allow us to feel pessimistic because I think we have good players.“We are going to find a way to perform and for sure we are going to compete in a different way. We need these games to affect us in a positive way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut former US star Alexei Lalas responded: “I’m trying to stop myself from being numb and apathetic but this was not just an uninspiring performance but a boring one.“It was a complete disaster, a failure. Lots of people are asking me if these players care and displays like that do nothing to dispel those questions.“ More

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    England kitman says shirt blunder in Tuchel’s first game will be fixed for Latvia after eagle-eyed fan points out error

    ENGLAND’S kitman admitted to making a shirt blunder in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge.The German’s reign got underway on Friday with a routine 2-0 win over Albania.Eagle-eyed fans noticed a mistake on England’s shirt against AlbaniaCredit: GettyThe kit numbers are meant to be in the middle as pictured but were instead under the Nike logo last time outCredit: GettyBut during the game, eagle-eyed fans spotted a subtle difference to England’s kit.Supporters noticed that the players’ squad numbers were printed on the wrong part of the shirt.In the fixture against Albania, the numbers were put just underneath the Nike logo on the left.But they are normally situated in the middle, with the sportswear brand’s iconic swoosh and England’s badge either side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans questioned on social media: “The football shirt nerd in me realised a slight difference to England’s shirt. Why have the numbers moved from the Euros?”Three Lions kitman Pat Frost replied to the query, admitting he made a mistake during printing and it will be fixed for tonight’s game against Latvia.He said: “Printed the first shirt and put them in wrong place so then had to do them in all in same place.”Back to the usual spot on Monday. But well done for noticing.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOthers thought the change was down to a new “crazy Fifa rule”.But Frost revealed it is up to England where they put the digits, saying: “You don’t legally have to have numbers on the front of the shirts as it happens, but they will be in the centre on Monday.”‘That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesFans also noticed how players now have a designated squad number every international window rather than the starting XI wearing No1 to No11.Frost explained: “Squad numbers are better for the kit department as we can print shirts in advance… it’s not our call though.”England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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    Thomas Tuchel takes swipe at Arsenal boss Arteta as he risks club vs country row by vowing not to rest England stars

    THOMAS TUCHEL will show no mercy to Prem bosses by refusing to rest England stars.And that is because the Three Lions chief says his club counterparts do not care about international managers.Thomas Tuchel has a strong retort for any worried Prem bossesCredit: GettyTuchel spoke out on Mikel Arteta’s use of Declan Rice for ArsenalCredit: GettyTuchel will resist the temptation to make sweeping changes for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley.He insists his coaches will not ‘break our heads’ worrying about rotation — pointing out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did not rest Declan Rice for a Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven.The German said: “Given the fact Declan Rice played in the second leg with Arsenal after a 7-1 first-leg lead, I didn’t have the feeling they think so much about us.“So I don’t think we have to break our heads about this.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“I take care of the players. We take care about the schedule.  But it would be the wrong signal to tell players now ‘you have tough (club) matches coming up, so I rest you now’.“We have a qualifier to play, we do what’s good for us. We are in contact with the clubs, we are in high-level monitoring where the fitness statuses are known and we won’t take any unprofessional risks.”Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had ‘never been so angry’ as when John Stones returned injured after Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate started the defender in two England friendlies in four days last year.But Tuchel claims he never asked players to skip internationals while manager of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, where he managed Harry Kane.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola was angry over England’s use of John StonesCredit: The TimesBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “This window is at a time where clubs play a crucial part of the season.“They play for championships and  quarter-finals in the Champions League. We’re well aware of it but we also have our own goals and targets. The players are keen to play and it has to be like this.’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first game“I never pushed any national coach because I hoped my players did get picked, I was also hoping they are proud to play.“You’re never happy if something happens. No one can predict there is no accident, but  we’ll take responsible decisions.“I feel responsible for the players. I want the players to play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League — all of them — because I want to watch it.”A hip injury has forced Anthony Gordon to return to Newcastle for treatment. The winger, 24, limped off down the tunnel after Friday’s 2-0 win over Albania. More

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    Thomas Tuchel’s first away game as England manager faces being moved to completely different country over stadium issue

    THOMAS TUCHEL could be heading to BARCELONA – for his first away game as England manager.England will play away to Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7.Thomas Tuchel is first preparing for Latvia on Monday eveningCredit: GettyTuchel’s third game in charge is likely to be at Espanyol’s RCDE StadiumCredit: GettyIt will be the first time for Tuchel to play at a venue outside of Wembley, as England face Latvia on Monday night after beating Albania 2-0 on Friday.The Andorran Football Federation are considering switching the game to Espanyol’s 40,000-capacity RCDE Stadium, which means many more England fans would be able to travel.Andorra were hoping England would open their new stadium in the town of Encamp but it is unlikely to be ready.The last time England played in Andorra was under Gareth Southgate in October 2021 and the match was staged at the Estadi Nacional in the capital, Andorra la Vella, but the ground only holds 3,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo the Andorrans are considering going to Espanyol’s stadium to make more money and are in talks with the Spanish giants although a deal has yet to be agreed.England played Andorra in Barcelona in both 2007 and 2008, with both games at the Olympic Stadium.For now, Tuchel is focused on making it two wins in two qualifiers on Monday. And he’s still on a high from launching his reign, albeit with a modest performance against Albania.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe German said: “It still feels great. I love the group of players. “Now we’ll try to squeeze the best out of them.”’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameBut Tuchel has already shown he is willing to give frank verdicts on individual displays.He admitted wingers Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden “were not as impactful as they normally can be”.The ex-Chelsea boss added: “I’m not too sure why we struggled to bring the ball to them quicker and to bring the ball in more open positions to them.”I think we lacked a little bit runs off the ball. So it was a bit too much passing and not enough dribbling.”But Tuchel was gushing about Jude Bellingham, who was England’s creator in chief.He said: “He is always ready to give everything.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Jude is and will be a key player for us. And he is happy to take the responsibility.“He’s always able to make the difference so we need to find the structure to make the most of it.” More

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    ‘I don’t expect anything’: Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first game

    ROY KEANE slammed the performance of Phil Foden as England cruised to victory over Albania.Thomas Tuchel’s reign began with a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win at Wembley last night.Roy Keane slammed Phil Foden’s performanceCredit: X / @itvfootballFoden was warned he risks being droppedCredit: GettyThe new boss started Foden, 24, on the right-wing despite his poor form for Manchester City this season.But he failed to impress and was eventually hooked off for Jarrod Bowen after 74 minutes.Foden did not have a shot and he has now not scored or assisted for England since September 2023.Pundit Keane brutally took aim at his performance, saying: “I think he might be lacking in confidence. He’s definitely off it. His club form isn’t great, but we know he’s got that quality. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Usually when Foden is at his best you’re sitting there thinking ‘something is going to happen’, even when he cuts in, he picks a pass out or gets a shot away.”He done none of that tonight and every time he gets the ball I’m looking at him going, ‘I don’t expect anything from Foden at the moment’.”His poor display comes after an underwhelming Euros campaign where previous boss Gareth Southgate was accused of not getting the best from him by deploying him as a left-winger.But Keane fired a stern warning, saying: “You can’t go down that road again, where he wants to play.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Wherever he is playing, you affect the game. You affect the game in different ways and he did not do that.”Listen, Foden won’t have that problem about where he wants to play because he won’t be playing.”Roy Keane says Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of Gareth Southgate’s England was ‘harsh’Ian Wright agreed, saying Foden was “fortunate” to even get a call-up and that he needs to “step it up”.Marcus Rashford also had a tough night on the opposite flank and Tuchel did not hide his disappointment post-match.He said: “We hope for more impact in these positions, more dribbling and more aggressive runs towards the box. In general that was missing. “The chances come from the little runs behind the line. They were not as decisive as they can be.”Both our wingers who started were not as impactful as they can be in club football. I’m not so sure why we struggled to bring the ball quickly to them.“We lacked runs off the ball. It was a little bit too much passing, not enough dribbling, not aggressive enough towards goal. “They trained very well, they were decisive in training. That’s why I also think they deserved [to start], they were very good in the last weeks with their clubs. We will keep on encouraging them.”England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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    Thomas Tuchel scraps Gareth Southgate’s England tradition but move splits fans with some branding it ‘nonsense’

    THOMAS TUCHEL divided fans with numbers – after ditching one of Gareth Southgate’s England traditions.The new boss used squad numbers for his starting team, whereas predecessor Southgate had preferred the good old one to 11.Goalscorers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane did a number on AlbaniaCredit: RexEngland lined up for the World Cup qualifier with their squad numbersThe only figure Tuchel might care about is the 2-0 margin by which the Three Lions saw off Albania in their World Cup qualifying opener.But many supporters were split after he abandoned Southgate’s nostalgic numbering, having also opted not to sing the national anthem before the match.It meant history-making Myles Lewis-Skelly wore the No 23 – which is five above his age.And England’s other full debutant, 32-year-old Dan Burn, was at 12.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan demanded a return to Southgate’s simplicity.He wrote: “England need to go back to 1-11 numbers on their shirts. What is this number 12, 17 & 23 in the starting XI nonsense?”Another said: “Why squad numbers? Should be 1-11.”But other viewers reckons it all just adds up to Tuchel going with the flow – by assigning squad numbers and keeping them for the games.Most read in FootballEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne even claimed: “By far the most encouraging sign for England’s future under Thomas Tuchel is that they appear to have adopted permanent squad numbers instead of the starters always wearing 1-11.”Meanwhile, a few fans were more intrigued by irked.Thomas Tuchel prefers the highs and lows of squad numbersCredit: RexOne such observer posted: “Interesting seeing #England not wearing numbers 1-11!”In the end the debate didn’t subtract from an important victory, albeit one that was far more solid than scintillating.And apart from the scoreline, only two figures really stood out.The first was Lewis-Skelly scoring aged only 18 years and 176 days.So by 33 days he surpassed Marcus Rashford as the youngest player to net on his England debut.And the second noteworthy number was skipper Harry Kane rounding off the Wembley triumph with his 70th international goal.That takes Kane 17 clear of second-placed Wayne Rooney in the all-time list of Three Lions’ scorers. More

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    England ratings: Myles Lewis-Skelly in dream debut but Thomas Tuchel has same Phil Foden issue as Gareth Southgate

    MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win. Myles Lewis-Skelly broke the deadlock with a landmark goalCredit: ReutersHarry Kane confirmed victory with a smooth finish on 78 minutesCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly helped Thomas Tuchel taste victory in his opening gameCredit: GettyNew boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden. Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6WITH Tuchel naming four goalkeepers in his first squad, you wondered if the long-serving stopper’s position in goal may be under threat. But Pickford started and looked fairly assured with what little he had to do.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWas not afraid to go long with his passes at times, compared to the obsession in the Premier League of playing out from the back no matter what.Most read in FootballHad one nervy moment when Dan Burn’s block looped up against the crossbar in the first half, before the Geordie headed it away.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordKYLE WALKER – 6STARTED despite his underwhelming season at Manchester City and now on loan at AC Milan.His passing was OK for the most part, albeit not super crisp.But the veteran, earning his 94th cap, had an excellent moment shortly before half-time when he fired in a cross which Bellingham headed goalwards, only to be denied by an excellent Thomas Strakosha save.Vital interception in the second half when sub Armando Broja had got in behind Burn.EZRI KONSA – 7MADE double figures for England caps with this appearance.Was pretty solid alongside Burn, having plenty of the ball as all the England defensive players did.Made an excellent last-ditch tackle after the ball was played in behind his centre-back partner in the final 20 minutes.Interesting to see Konsa selected over Marc Guehi, given the Crystal Palace man was England’s best defender at the Euros.DAN BURN – 7ALMOST had another Wembley dream moment in the space of a week.The giant defender was making his England debut six days on from helping Newcastle win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Burn’s bullet header from a corner sent the Magpies on their way to victory then – and he nearly repeated the trick here when nodding the ball against the crossbar in the first half.He put his body on the line and made a number of brave blocks, including the one that looped up against his own woodwork.Had more of a difficult time of it when the speedier Broja came off the bench in the second half, and also managed to kick Myrto Uzuni in the face with one whack clear.England debutant Dan Burn hit the bar with a headerCredit: AlamyMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – STAR MAN 8SIX months ago the 18-year-old had not even played for Arsenal.Now he has not only made his senior debut for England – but has his first goal too.The left-back raced in down the left to meet Bellingham’s inch-perfect pass, before poking it through the keeper’s legs.Looked to have tears in his eyes as he celebrated his magic moment – and was accomplished in the rest of his display.CURTIS JONES – 6THE Liverpudlian was one of many success stories of youngsters brought through by Tuchel’s interim predecessor Lee Carsley.Here he played a bit further forward at times, interchanging with Bellingham when allowed.Had plenty of the ball as England dominated possession, though did give it away with a poor early pass.Jones managed to wriggle in down the right on 14 minutes, but his decent cut-back was cleared.Curtis Jones played the first 74 minutes on FridayCredit: AFPDECLAN RICE – 7SO many touches for the Arsenal man as England patiently probed for opportunities. Southgate’s favourite system involved two pivots.But Rice here was generally alone in his deep-lying role, suggesting Tuchel will be a bit more ambitious in his attacking approach.Having said that, there were a lot of passes backwards from England, underpinning a dominant, if not overly exciting display.Though one such Rice chip over to Kane brought about the crucial second.PHIL FODEN – 5SOUTHGATE was never able to get the best out of Phil Foden, while Carsley only started him once in his six interim games.The fact that the City star was starting here suggested Tuchel is keen to find a way of unlocking his talent.But Foden struggled to make much of an impact again.He was deployed wide right, and did try to dribble forward when he could, but with little effect.JUDE BELLINGHAM – 8ENGLAND’S best moments involved the Real Madrid superstar.Albania’s low block was difficult to break down, but Bellingham’s inventive passing was Tuchel’s best method of doing so.His delicious pass for Lewis-Skelly provided the opener, while he had a neat cross that Kane nodded wide near the hour.Was denied a goal on two occasions by two top Strakosha saves, first from a toe-poke, then a close-range header.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7SEEMED to relish being back playing for England after his surprise recall by Tuchel.Was full of energy and looked to spin in behind at every opportunity, even if he did not always receive the pass from his team-mates.A beautiful diagonal pass over to Foden early on showed his technical quality.England lacked willing runners at the Euros, but here, a motivated Rashford provided one.Recalled attacker Marcus Rashford evades Ivan BalliuCredit: ReutersHARRY KANE – 7REGULARLY dropped deep in the early stages, despite his manager saying in the week that he wanted his star man to stay up top.It did allow him to display his impressive passing range though and he had a few quality balls through for Rashford.Had a goal-bound shot brilliantly blocked by Albanian captain Berat Gjimshiti in the first half.But Kane’s clinical finish into the far corner in the second half saw him reach 70 goals for his country – and his fifth in three games against this opposition.SUBSANTHONY GORDON (on for Rashford, 74) – 6Was left limping for the final few minutes after taking a whack on his hip in injury time. Concerningly, was down on the turf in pain as the final whistle went.JARROD BOWEN (for Foden, 74) – 6Mainly ensured the 2-0 scoreline stayed that way.MORGAN ROGERS (for Jones, 74) – 6Played a bit deeper than he does for Aston Villa, filling in at No8 like Jones had.READ MORE SUN STORIESJORDAN HENDERSON (for Rice, 82) – 6ON for his first England appearance since 2023, and his 82nd in total, to help see it out. Crunched Adrion Pajaziti with a poor challenge.REECE JAMES (for Lewis-Skelly, 90) – 6Main role was allowing debutant Lewis-Skelly to get a standing ovation. First international in two years, coming on at left-back. Lewis-Skelly is mobbed after his history-making openerCredit: Getty More