England vs. Lithuania: Standout Performances from the Three Lions' Win

The hard work starts now for England, after a 3-0 win against Lithuania ensured the perfect Euro 2016 qualifying campaign for the Three Lions.

Goals from Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as well as Lithuania goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis’ own goal, sealed a comfortable win for Roy Hodgson’s team, their 10th out of 10 games.

With several starters rested, including Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart, some fringe players were given an opportunity to prove their worth to Hodgson ahead of next summer’s tournament in France.

But who shone in a satisfying team performance?

Ross Barkley 

The Everton midfielder followed up his exciting display against Estonia on Friday with another exuberant performance.

Barkley reminded us why he’s been compared to Paul Gascoigne with his frequent drives forward, and he rounded off his evening with a wonderful goal.

Barkley showcased his fine striking ability as well as his movement. He pulled off a deft faint to create the yards of separation needed to collect Harry Kane’s pass and fire the shot away.

Deployed just behind Kane, he completed 57 of his 59 attempted passes, per WhoScored.com. But it’s the power and willingness to run at players, something England have lacked from a central player for far too long, that will please Hodgson the most.

"

5 - Ross Barkley's scored 5 goals in 14 apps for Everton & England combined this season. He'd scored 5 in his 63 games prior to this. Form.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 12, 2015"

Some say Barkley’s impressive showing has given the England manager a selection headache, but Hodgson will have no choice but to include Barkley if he continues to demonstrate the skills former England striker Gary Lineker alludes to:

"

Like the way @RBarkley20 is developing as a footballer. Adding maturity and nous to an obvious talent.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 12, 2015"

The 21-year-old is currently playing with confidence and wisdom far beyond his years and has emerged as a player Hodgson can make the focal point of England’s attack.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Adam Lallana

Without doubt the best pass in England’s win came from Lallana, who teed up Kane’s shot that led to Arlauskis’ own goal with a flick Ronaldinho would have enjoyed.

Mindaugas Kulbis/Associated Press/Associated Press/Associated Press/Associated Press

The Liverpool midfielder was a constant threat, showing some nice touches in the final third and adding some swagger to England’s attacking play.

Lallana completed every one of his four attempted dribbles, per WhoScored, and also led the team in key passes with six, three more than any other player.

All that was missing from Lallana’s game was a shot. If he’s to start for England in France, Lallana must get among the goals. He’s yet to score in an England shirt in 17 appearances.

Jonjo Shelvey

JANEK SKARZYNSKI/Getty Images

England fans seem to either love or hate Shelvey, but there’s no arguing how important he could be to the team.

Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick both have wretched injury records, so the onus could be on Shelvey to be the midfield lynchpin in France.

And he’s not a terrible option. Against Lithuania, he displayed neat link-up play and solidity in a defensive midfield position.

Most pleasing, however, was his forward-thinking attitude. Shelvey attempted passes others wouldn’t even see—passes that require extreme precision.

It’s that decisiveness that sets Shelvey apart from other, more conservative options. The Swansea midfielder targets the tightest windows and quickly turns defence into attack.

No player on either team had more touches than the 23-year-old’s 108, and he will be a handy player if selected for the Championships.

Harry Kane

He failed to score, but the Tottenham Hotspur striker was part of a magnificent battle with Lithuania goalkeeper Arlauskis.

Mindaugas Kulbis/Associated Press/Associated Press

Kane had eight shots in total—six on target—and his desire to get on the scoresheet was clear to see.

But those numbers shouldn’t be misconstrued. Kane wasn’t greedy; he held the ball up for those around him and assisted Barkley’s first-half goal.

And anyway, who can blame a striker for taking shots?

Kane drew praise from several England fans, including Liam Morris:

"

If you don't see what Kane brings as the forward, apart from goals, in a 4-3-3 system, then you need to look a little deeper.

— Liam Morris (@LiamMorris94) October 12, 2015"

Arlauskis prevented Kane from scoring his fourth goal in six England games, but few would bet against the 22-year-old being England’s top scorer in France.

England left Lithuania with all they were hoping for. Goals and a clean sheet were to be expected, no injuries is an added bonus.

Hodgson’s team must now prove they can do it against Europe’s best. They’ll get a taster with two friendlies next month, and they don’t come much harder—Spain away, then France at home.

But for now, England can celebrate an excellent recovery after a disastrous 2014 World Cup. BBC's Phil McNulty was impressed:

"

Lithunia 0 England 3. 10 from 10 for England in qualifying. Say what you like about opposition in the group but you can't argue with that.

— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) October 12, 2015"

The average age of the four players included in this article is 23. There’s a raft of young talent in the England squad, and hopefully, after a dominant qualifying campaign, they can meet expectations in France next year.