England will take on Albania today, March 21, 2025, at 16:45 (Brasília time), in a critical matchup for the first round of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This much-anticipated game will be held at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, with live coverage available on ESPN and Disney+.
As the first round of Group K kicks off, England enters the match as a strong favorite, boasting a dominant record against Albania. Historically, the two teams have faced each other six times, and England has come out victorious in every encounter, scoring 19 goals while conceding just one. Their last meeting occurred in November 2021, when England won decisively 5-0.
Under the guidance of new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who previously led Chelsea to a Champions League victory, England seeks to continue its impressive form from recent matches. They come into this fixture on the back of an outstanding performance, having won five of their last six matches in the League of Nations. Their latest triumph included a remarkable 5-0 victory against Ireland, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Complementing England's formidable offensive capabilities, star forward Harry Kane remains a key player to watch, having scored 32 goals in 37 appearances this season. Analysts predict he is highly likely to add to his tally against a struggling Albanian defense.
On the other side, Albania, managed by Brazilian coach Sylvinho, aims to capitalize on its surprise factor to challenge the formidable English side. The team has had an inconsistent performance in recent months, with two wins, three losses, and one draw in their last six matches. Their last outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Ukraine.
Albania's quest for a spot in the World Cup continues to be daunting, especially as they seek to secure their first-ever appearance on the global stage. While they are grouped in a challenging set alongside England, Andorra, Latvia, and Serbia, this match represents a critical opportunity for them to make an impact.
Kickoff is set for 16:45 (Brasília time), and fans can expect an exciting encounter as England looks to assert its dominance in front of its home crowd at Wembley. With so much at stake, every minute will be crucial as both teams aim to start their qualifying campaigns on the right foot.
