Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker help England to another 2022 World Cup qualification win

Captain Harry Kane and midfielder Mason Mount got the goals for the Three Lions on the night either side of half-time.

There had been concerns expressed about the pitch at the Air Albania Stadium and it certainly seemed to slow down England as they looked to build their attacks.

The opening half an hour was short of chances and it was the hosts who had the best opportunity to break the deadlock – Mytro Uzuni lacking composure when played in on goal as he rifled his shot over goalkeeper Nick Pope’s crossbar when he should have done much better.

Despite a slow start, England took the lead before the interval.

Mason Mount teed-up Shaw, whose fine cross was headed home by captain Kane, who ended a six-game barren run for his country to put the visitors ahead.

Kane should have doubled the lead shortly afterwards but could only hit the crossbar as he turned a Raheem Sterling cross goalwards from close range.

England saw another effort come back off the woodwork as they started the second half on top.

Sterling wriggled free before standing up the defender and passing to Manchester City team-mate Foden, whose low shot was tipped onto a post by Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha.

England went 2-0 ahead just after the hour as Mount got his name on the scoresheet.

Albania were caught in possession just outside their own box and Kane fed Mount, whose cool finish gave Southgate’s side some breathing space.

Kane told ITV: “I thought it was a really good performance, it is never easy coming away from home against a tough side.

“Maybe a little bit slow to start, we changed our formation halfway through the first half and that definitely helped, we got more runners into the box, more attacking play and getting a goal before the break was great.

“I thought we controlled the second half, they didn’t create too many chances, so overall a good night.”