Squad Evaluations: England Book Their Place for the Upcoming Tournament
Gareth Southgate's side earned their place at the next World Cup with a decisive win over their opponents on Tuesday night.
England's Starting XI
- The goalkeeper – Made a couple of fine saves in the second half to maintain his impressive clean sheet streak. That's nine in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Has taken to international football with ease. Tougher tests await, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- The defender – Two matches in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a great benefit. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Selected ahead of the other option and performed solidly. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- The young defender – Appeared a somewhat not at his best at times, understandable given his lack of action at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
- Elliott Anderson – Appears undroppable in this England team at the moment. Appears suited to this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Arsenal's engine – Enjoying his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is displaying his attacking abilities now. Emerging as a real all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Quieter as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. We should find out next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Contributed an key pass to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – In the form of his life. Increased his tally for the season to 20 goals. Has scored 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to start things off for England here in away. Has done a good job during this international window. 7.5
The Bench Players
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
- Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
- Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything aerially. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left caught the eye. 6
With a World Cup spot confirmed, the team can now turn their attention for the World Cup with high hopes.
