England vs Albania – Match preview and team news

The Football Faithful

·21 de marzo de 2025

England vs Albania – Match preview and team news

England welcome Albania to Wembley this evening as the Three Lions start their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

It’s the start of a new era for England, as Thomas Tuchel takes charge for the first time. The German has become just the third foreign manager in England history, with the task of ending a 60-year wait for major tournament success next summer. First, England must navigate the qualification phase.

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Matchday 1️⃣ for Thomas Tuchel. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
– viernes, 21 de marzo de 2025

Tuchel’s first squad has seen contentious recalls for veterans including Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, while Morgan Gibbs-White was a late call-up after Cole Palmer’s withdrawal. England remain without players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ollie Watkins, John Stones and Kobbie Mainoo through injury.

There was a first call-up for Newcastle centre-back Dan Burn, who could become the oldest England debutant since 2010. Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly is also involved for the first time.

England vs Albania – Match preview and team news

Form

England: WLWWW

England earned promotion in the Nations League League B Group 2. The Three Lions were made to work for their progress, however, requiring a 3-0 win in Athens to climb above Greece on goal difference. England had earlier lost to the Greeks at Wembley under interim manager Lee Carsley.

The Three Lions have lost just twice in their last 13 games with the other defeat coming in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Albania: LLWDL

Albania endured a disappointing Nations League after finishing bottom of League B Group 1 to suffer relegation to the third tier. It followed a winless group-stage exit at Euro 2024, just the nation’s second appearance at a European Championship.

However, England should be warned that both of Albania’s wins in the Nations League came on the road. Under the management of ex-Arsenal defender Sylvinho, Albania claimed impressive away wins against Ukraine and Georgia.

Last Meeting

England 5-0 Albania, 12th November 2021, World Cup qualification

Harry Kane scored a first-half hat-trick as England thrashed Albania in qualification for the 2022 World Cup. England were five goals ahead at half-time with Harry Maguire’s header setting the hosts on their way to an emphatic win.

Kane added a second from Jordan Henderson’s cross, before the latter got in on the act himself after another combination with Kane. The latter completed his hat-trick before the break, including a scissor-kick effort from Phil Foden’s corner. Kane’s treble made it 44 goals for England, levelling Jimmy Greaves, and 39 competitive goals for his country – eclipsing Wayne Rooney’s record.