Thomas Tuchel's debut as England's national team coach ended in a successful 2-0 victory over Albania in the World Cup qualification match on March 21, 2025. The match took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, kicking off at 20:45 local time.
England faced Albania in their first game of the World Cup qualification for the 2026 tournament, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With 45 qualifying spots still to be decided, the Three Lions were keen to start the campaign on a high note. Historically, England has had a strong record against Albania, winning all five of their previous encounters, including a resounding 5-0 victory in the 2022 World Cup qualification series. Harry Kane notably scored three goals in that match.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley, Myles Lewis-Skelly earned the honor of scoring the first goal of the Tuchel era in the 20th minute. The 18-year-old left-back, who plays for Arsenal, showcased his talent and promise, with performances that earned him significant praise. Alongside him, 32-year-old Dan Burn, a traditional center-back from Newcastle United, also made his debut, effectively anchoring the defense.
Despite a rocky second half where Albania applied considerable pressure, it was Kane who ultimately secured the victory. In the 77th minute, he created a precise finish, ensuring England took all three points. The win placed England at the top of Qualification Group K, leading thanks to a better goal difference compared to Latvia, which had secured a 1-0 victory against Andorra that same evening.
This victory marked a strong start to Tuchel's tenure. Describing the atmosphere in Wembley, he expressed enthusiasm for leading the team forward, stating, “My strategy involves instilling belief and resilience into the squad.” The optimism surrounding Tuchel's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the England team, which is seeking to build on previous successes.
The match was broadcast live on the streaming service DAZN, which holds the rights to the 2026 World Cup qualification games across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Coverage began at 20:45, with commentator Andreas Renner providing insights throughout the game. Fans looking to watch England’s future matches will need a paid subscription to DAZN, reflecting the ongoing trend of sports shifting towards digital platforms.
In the wider context, the England team's next match will also be against Latvia, further testing Tuchel’s strategies and the squad's dynamics. As the qualification campaign progresses, there’s a palpable mix of excitement and nerves among both players and supporters. Will the new coach's tactics lead to enduring success? Fans are eagerly anticipating the journey ahead as Tuchel looks to solidify his vision for the team.
In summary, Thomas Tuchel’s debut as head coach has invigorated the hopes of English football supporters, and with a promising squad led by iconic players like Harry Kane and rising stars like Myles Lewis-Skelly, the nation is optimistic about its chances in the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign.
