England kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a solid 2-0 victory against Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025. The match was noteworthy not only for the result but also for marking Thomas Tuchel’s debut as England's manager, and for the impressive performance of young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, who scored on his first appearance for the national team.
The encounter began at 3:45 PM local time and saw England dominating possession right from the start. Despite some initial challenges in breaking down the Albanian defense, it was Jude Bellingham who ignited the match with a dazzling assist. Bellingham, known for his vision and creativity, weaved through the Albanian defense and executed a near-impossible pass to Lewis-Skelly, who made no mistake, scoring with a precise finish in the 20th minute.
This debut goal not only showcased Lewis-Skelly's talent but also exemplified England's youth movement, as the team looked to infuse fresh energy under Tuchel's guidance. The news reverberated through Wembley, where fans celebrated the rise of a new star.
In the first half, England had several opportunities to extend their lead. Strakosha, the Albanian goalkeeper, performed exceptionally well, denying Bellingham’s attempts on two significant occasions. The first, a low shot from inside the area, and another, a header, both thwarted by Strakosha’s well-timed interventions.
As the game progressed, English dominance was evident, although the second half saw a reduction in the intensity that marked the first. England continued to pressure, with Harry Kane, the team captain, coming close several times but facing a resilient Albanian defense.
Finally, in the 77th minute, Kane broke through, demonstrating his trademark poise in front of goal. After a brief moment of tactical awareness, he capitalized on a defensive error and slotted the ball home, securing the second goal of the match and effectively sealing the victory for England.
The match statistics highlighted England's control: they maintained a staggering amount of possession and concluded the game without allowing Albania a single shot on target. This was particularly noticeable given that Albania struggled to threaten England's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, throughout the match.
Post-match commentary focused on the initial performance of Tuchel as an England manager, with observers noting the organized play and attacking spirit that seemed to unify the squad. The German coach, who has previously led top clubs in various leagues, will be looking to build on this foundational win as England aims to qualify for their eighth consecutive World Cup.
Both teams made several substitutions as the game continued, with Reece James replacing Lewis-Skelly, who received applause for a commendable debut. The substitutions also included experienced players such as Jordan Henderson, who replaced Declan Rice, providing more stability in the midfield.
Albeit England’s late-game management was less aggressive, the tactical changes were primarily defensive as they sought to maintain their lead. Albania, meanwhile, made several attempts to forge a late rally but was unable to penetrate the English defense effectively. The match concluded with five minutes added time, but these remained uneventful, rounding off a comprehensive performance by the home team.
The significance of this win extends beyond mere numbers; it sets a positive tone for the road ahead in the qualifiers. England continues its quest to reclaim glory on the world stage while Albania, still searching for its first World Cup appearance, will look to regroup and draw positives despite another defeat to their more experienced opponents.
As for Lewis-Skelly, his immediate future looks bright, and the coaching staff, along with fans, will be keen to see more of what he can bring to the national team in upcoming fixtures. Following the match, England's perfect record against Albania, now standing at six victories out of six meetings, underscores their long-standing dominance in this fixture.
For Tuchel and his squad, the aim will be to build momentum as they prepare for their next matches in the World Cup qualifiers, with all eyes looking towards not just qualifying but making a significant impact in the tournament ahead.
