In a highly anticipated kickoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, England met Albania at Wembley Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025. This match marked the inaugural game for new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who addressed media the day prior, expressing his eagerness for the encounter and the atmosphere he hopes to create for fans.
Tuchel, who had been training with the squad at St. George’s Park since March 17, conveyed his excitement. “I just hope so much that they [the fans] can see what I see on a daily basis,” he noted. “What I’ve seen in the last few days is amazing, and it’s been a joy to watch and be a part of it.” Tuchel admitted feeling the pressure that comes with such a role but emphasized seeing it as a privilege. He said, “In my coaching career, I’ve adapted to that and found methods to cope with it.”
The match commenced at 7:45 PM GMT, with England aiming to maintain their strong track record against the Albanians. Historically, England has won all six of their prior encounters with Albania, underscoring the dominance they’ve shown in this matchup, which includes a 5-0 victory the last time the two teams faced off in November 2021.
On the tactical front, Tuchel stressed the need for adaptability against a strong counter-attacking side like Albania. “Offensively we will try to implement our style... but in modern football, you also have the quality of the opponent,” he explained. His strategy emphasized creating opportunities while being prepared to defend effectively against Albania's strengths.
England captain Harry Kane, seasoned in world football, expressed his enthusiasm about Tuchel's strategies that prioritize offensive play. “He wants the ball in the opposition half and he wants a lot of counter-pressing,” Kane shared, adding, “He’s already spoken a lot about getting as many balls into the box as quick as we can.” Having previously enjoyed success under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, Kane was eager to integrate those tactics into his England international experience.
As kickoff approached, anticipation within the squad felt palpable, with training reportedly impressively intense during the preparation days. Kane remarked positively about how the team had taken on Tuchel’s concepts, saying, “We’ve looked really sharp in training, and I feel like he’s been happy with how we’ve trained and taken on information.”
The match saw full debuts for defenders Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn. Lewis-Skelly, who had made a substantial impact during the season, opened the scoring with a deft finish that showcased his potential. He celebrated jubilantly with fans, making his mark on Tuchel's first game in charge.
While the match predominantly saw England controlling possession, with figures suggesting Albania had merely 8% at one point, the contest was still marred by momentary lapses in focus from the English side. Tuchel, despite the considerable lead his team maintained, encouraged a style of play emphasizing continual pressure, stating, “We want to win and not lose intensity.”
The game remained competitive, with moments that highlighted the talent from both teams. After Lewis-Skelly’s goal, England pressed for more, coming close to doubling their lead through attempts from Kane and Burn, who nearly scored on his debut by hitting the woodwork. Kane lamented being denied after his efforts were blocked brilliantly by Albania’s keeper Thomas Strakosha, who made several crucial saves throughout the match.
Despite their stellar record against Albania, the English players were urged to keep their foot on the gas, avoiding complacency due to past dominance over their opponents. They were reminded of Albania's potential to capitalize on defensive errors, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus.
As the match progressed, it became apparent that Albania was working tirelessly to keep England at bay, despite their evident disadvantage on the pitch. Coach Sylvinho brought his team into battle with a determined mindset, stating confidence in their organization and potential to create scoring opportunities. “It’s going to be tough but we need to be positive,” Zabaleta expressed, representing Albania’s resilience against their highly-ranked foes.
With moments counting down, England continued to press. The fluidity of their attacking moves promised excitement, with Bellingham, another young talent, impressing with his capability to transition from defense to offense rapidly.
Ultimately, the first game of the Tuchel era was marked by a strong performance from England, serving as a crucial start in their bid for World Cup qualification. As both teams reflected on their play and strategies, Tuchel highlighted the significance of believing in the project moving forward, commenting on the “unique energy” of the team.
Despite the pressure, Tuchel remains optimistic about his tenure, saying, “This will not stop, we have to worship the time we have together.” For England and their fans, this positive beginning served as a reminder of their ambitions for the upcoming campaign, signaling that the Three Lions are ready to roar once again.
