Thomas Tuchel makes his international managerial bow as England host Albania in their first qualifier for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory could see England or Albania go top of their group if better the result between Andorra and Latvia.
Team News
Cole Palmer is ruled out for England due to injury, with Morgan Gibbs-White called up in his place.
Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly will be looking for their first senior caps following their maiden call-ups.
Albania have no fresh injury concerns with a full squad available for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
England host Albania at Wembley Stadium, London, on Friday 21 March at 7:45pm GMT, live on ITV1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- England have won all six previous World Cup qualifiers against Albania (W6).
- Albania have lost all three away World Cup qualifiers against England (L3), having conceded 12 goals without reply.
- Four of England’s last seven goals against Albania were scored by Harry Kane.
- Each of England’s six permanent managers this century won their opening match in charge (W6).
- Albania have avoided defeat in five of their last eight away games in all competitions (W3, D2, L3).
Prediction
Having previously tasted success in English football with Chelsea, Tuchel now can’t underestimate the national team because this is a different beast but I would like to see him bring more tactical flexibility which Gareth Southgate lacked at key points in his reign.
He though does have a strong squad available to him which he needs to take advantage of if he can quickly find a system that allows them to click quickly, although this easy-looking Qualifying group will allow for experimentation if get the wins done first.
Albania though had a tough Nations League campaign but if they can play with the grit and quality that we saw at last summer’s Euros, I can see them possibly causing some issues defensively but they surely know that their battle doesn’t lie directly against England and more towards the play-off spot.
Although two of England’s three previous home matches against Albania ended in 5-0 results, I don’t see that result coming as this will be a game of transition for them but they should pull a win nevertheless.
Prediction: England 2-0 Albania
