Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Secure a Spot for the Next World Cup
The national team earned their berth at the global tournament with a decisive victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
England's Starting XI
- The goalkeeper – Pulled off a few of excellent saves in the second half to extend his remarkable clean sheet record. It's now nine in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Seems at home in international football with ease. Tougher tests lie ahead, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- The defender – A pair of fixtures in five days will do the City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- Ezri Konsa – Chosen ahead of Marc Guehi and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- The young defender – Appeared a slightly ring rusty at times, expected given his scarce minutes at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Elliott Anderson – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks tailored for this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- Arsenal's engine – Thriving in his advanced midfield role. The pillar of England's midfield is showing his offensive abilities now. Developing into a true all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over other teams. It will be revealed 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 – At his peak. Increased his total for the season to 20 strikes. Has scored 76 times for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to open the scoring for England here in away. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a menace. 7
- Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, dealt with everything with his height. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6
With qualification confirmed, the squad can now turn their attention for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.
