Player Ratings: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Next World Cup
England earned their berth at the global tournament with a convincing victory over Latvia on the midweek fixture.
The Starting Lineup
- The goalkeeper – Pulled off a few of excellent saves in the latter period to maintain his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests await, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a great benefit. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Executed an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- Arsenal's talent – Looked a somewhat ring rusty at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Elliott Anderson – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Appears made for this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The pillar of England's midfield is demonstrating his attacking abilities now. Becoming a real all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Not as impactful as he has been in England's victories over other teams. We should find out next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Contributed an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – Playing brilliantly. Increased his tally for the season to 20 scores. Has hit the back of the net 76 occasions for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Sharp finish to open the scoring for England here in away. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a threat. 7
- The winger (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when all are available. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – Typically, managed everything in the air. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6
With their place secured, the squad can now turn their attention for the World Cup with confidence.