England earned their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a decisive triumph over their opponents on Tuesday evening.
The Starting Lineup
- The goalkeeper – Pulled off a couple of good stops in the second half to extend his remarkable clean sheet streak. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has adapted to international football like a duck to water. Tougher tests lie ahead, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
- John Stones – Two matches in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Looked a slightly ring rusty at times, understandable given his limited game time at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks made for this level and has struck up an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Developing into a true all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Less influential as he has been in England's wins over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Added an assist to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The striker – In the form of his life. Took his total for the season to 20 scores. Has found the net 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Precise finish to get the ball rolling for England here in away. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
- The winger (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when everyone's fit. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything with his height. 6
- The forward (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6
After a World Cup spot booked, the squad can now prepare for next summer with confidence.
