In an impressive showcase of talent and resilience, the England football team made a successful start under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, defeating Albania 2-0 in their World Cup qualifying match held at Wembley on March 21, 2025. The match not only marked Tuchel's debut but also highlighted the emergence of teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly, who scored on his senior international debut, reaffirming his potential as a future star for England.
Declan Rice, the West Ham midfielder and Lewis-Skelly's Arsenal teammate, had first predicted the young left-back's potential to become England's first-choice in that position last year, although he faced mockery from others at the time. Following the match, Rice expressed his pride in Lewis-Skelly’s performance, stating, "But week on week he’s shown how good he is, and the fearlessness he has in his performance. That’s on him — how much you want it and how much you want to keep going. He needs to be hungry every day." His words exemplified the support Lewis-Skelly has garnered from his peers as he steps into the limelight.
In the match, Lewis-Skelly's goal came in the 26th minute, a well-timed finish through the legs of Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha after a perfectly placed through ball from Jude Bellingham. This goal not only marked a significant milestone for Lewis-Skelly, making him the youngest player to score on his debut for England but also the third-youngest goalscorer in national team history.
Captain Harry Kane later added to the score with his 70th international goal, solidifying the victory. Kane’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as he became the first England player to score under three different managers, further establishing his legendary status within the national team. Reflections on the team's performance post-match noted their controlling play, with England holding possession for 74% of the game, taking 12 shots compared to Albania's mere three.
Under Tuchel's management, the England squad appeared revitalized, though they faced challenges in breaking down a defensively set-up Albania. The new coach had previously noted that his players seemed to play with fear in previous campaigns, hinting at a shift in philosophy and encouraging a more aggressive playing style. Nevertheless, the match highlighted the tactical flexibility required to navigate such setups, with England struggling at times to penetrate the defensive wall set by their opponents.
While Lewis-Skelly's debut stole the headlines, the match also introduced Dan Burn, who marked his first appearance for England at age 32, the oldest debutant since Kevin Davies in 2010. Burn had an impressive game, completing 135 passes from 137 attempts, which emphasized his proficiency even as a newcomer. He too was met with praise as his presence bolstered the squad's defensive line.
The excitement surrounding England's performance contrasted sharply with other notable Premier League results over the weekend. In one such occurrence, Arsenal's title hopes hit a significant snag as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham, leaving them eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Arsenal's captain, Martin Odegaard, urged the team not to wallow in disappointment, affirming that they must remain focused on future matches: "There are still many games to be played. The main thing now is to win the next one and work from there."
Meanwhile, Chelsea had their own struggles, losing 2-1 against Aston Villa. Despite initially taking the lead with a goal from Enzo Fernandez, Marco Asensio's two goals turned the game around for Villa. Chelsea's coach Enzo Maresca referred to this defeat as his toughest of the season, pointing out the need for clinical finishing inside the box to secure victories.
In another twist in the Premier League, Newcastle United experienced a dramatic comeback against Nottingham Forest, overcoming an early deficit to win 4-1. Alexander Isak became the hero of the game, scoring twice within minutes during a frantic period where Newcastle shifted the momentum in their favor. His second goal was particularly historic, as it marked his 50th in the Premier League, getting him into record books as the fastest Swedish player to reach that milestone.
This weekend's matches not only showcased individual player achievements but also reflected shifting team dynamics in the Premier League as coaches and players alike strive for excellence. As the season progresses, the rapidly evolving landscape of football underscores the significance of resilience, timing, and seizing opportunities.
With several teams vying for the title and others struggling to find their footing, the coming weeks promise to be critical in shaping the final standings of the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
