Football Features

    Winks and Mount off the mark: Full player ratings as England secure top seed status in Kosovo

    By Ollie Thomas

    Published: 19:12, 17 November 2019

    England finished off another impressive qualifying campaign in fitting style after they eventually put Kosovo to the sword.

    The hosts, who had never lost in their home country before tonight, will have to take part in March’s play-offs after their defeat to Czech Republic on Thursday meant that the Czechs will join England at the tournament next summer.

    A resolute display will give Kosovo hope that they can give any side a good game when next spring comes around. Despite staying in the game until the final 10 minutes, late goals from Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane (who scored in every single qualifier) and Mason Mount were added to Harry Winks’ opener to add a gloss to the scoreline.

    England will now play their three group games not only just at Wembley but also as a top seed, a perfect scenario for Southgate’s men.

    Here’s how the players rated at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium:

    England

    Nick Pope – 6 – Rarely tested but was solid when called upon (with the exception of a stumble).

    Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6 – Not as involved offensively as he would have hoped against a side like Kosovo. Was fairly anonymous by his standards.

    Harry Maguire – 6 – Looked steady at the heart of the defence against a relatively toothless attack.

    Tyrone Mings – 7 – Another very assured performance to go with his debut in Bulgaria. Looked near on impossible to get around and was very progressive with the ball.

    Ben Chilwell – 6 – Nullified well by Kosovo: similar to his fellow full-back.

    Declan Rice – 5 – Often let Kosovo break towards the defence too easily but never looked overwhelmed. Has work to do to secure his place as the first-choice defensive midfielder.

    Harry Winks – 8 – Played in a different role to Thursday night to equal effect. Was excellent all round and took his goal extremely well. England have a plethora of players who can play in the eight role, but Winks has certainly thrown his hat in the ring for a first-choice billing.

    Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – Offers energy that England midfield set-ups have lacked in recent years. Lovely reverse ball for Winks’ goal and looks to be hitting the heights we know he can.

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    Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6 – Rarely threatened Kosovo when he was on the pitch. Will have been hoping to do more given the form of his wing rivals.

    Harry Kane – 8 – A very well taken goal and an unselfish assist, too. Has been a sensation for England and is very much taken for granted. Kane’s 12 goals for the Three Lions this calendar year is a record and to score in all 10 qualifiers is a feat which shouldn’t go unnoticed.

    Raheem Sterling – 6 – Looked lively but took a while to grow into the game. Ended up with two assists despite not looking his best at times. Quality shone through in the end.

    Substitutes:

    Marcus Rashford (for Callum Hudson Odoi 59′) – 7 – Took advantage of his fresh legs. Caused Vojvoda endless problems with his pace and made a very tough finish look simple.

    Mason Mount (for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 72′) – 7 – Worked hard and will be delighted to have scored his first England goal.

    Fikayo Tomori (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 84′) – N/A – A late substitute.

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