Player Ratings: The Three Lions Book Their Place for 2026 World Cup

England clinched their place at the next World Cup with a decisive triumph over their opponents on Tuesday evening.

First Eleven Performance

  • The goalkeeper – Made a few of good stops in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet record. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
  • The defender – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
  • Manchester City's centre-back – Two games in a short span will do the City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the key players on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
  • Aston Villa's defender – Selected ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
  • The young defender – Looked a little not at his best at times, understandable given his limited game time at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6
  • Elliott Anderson – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Seems suited to this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
  • The midfielder – Thriving in his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is demonstrating his offensive abilities now. Developing into a real all-round midfielder. 7
  • The forward – Not as impactful as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. It will be revealed next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • Bukayo Saka – Provided an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
  • The captain – Playing brilliantly. Boosted his tally for the season to 20 scores. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
  • Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to start things off for England here in away. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5

Subs' Impact

  • The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
  • The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
  • The winger (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to be selected when the squad is full. 6
  • Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything in the air. 6
  • The forward (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left was noticeable. 6

After qualification booked, England can now turn their attention for the upcoming tournament with optimism.

Rita Davis
Rita Davis

Elara is a seasoned journalist and digital content creator with a passion for uncovering stories that matter.