England is set to embark on their journey to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup with a match against Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025. This match marks the inaugural game for Thomas Tuchel as the manager of the Three Lions, taking over the reins from Gareth Southgate following the Euro 2024 tournament. Tuchel, who has had a successful career across various clubs, will unveil his first squad in front of an expectant home crowd.
Five months into his appointment, Tuchel has had the chance to work extensively with the team at St George’s Park, preparing them for the crucial qualifier. However, he will have to make adjustments as several key players are unavailable for this opener. Notably, Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Cole Palmer will miss the match due to injuries. Additionally, Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, and Ollie Watkins have also been left out of the squad. Just hours before the match, three more players—Jarell Quansah, Aaron Ramsdale, and Morgan Gibbs-White—were sent back to their clubs, reducing the available options for Tuchel.
As excitement builds, questions loom about Tuchel's tactical formation for England. Throughout his career, he has often utilized a three-at-the-back system, especially during his tenure at Chelsea, where he found significant success. He notably applied a 3-4-2-1 formation, which helped guide the club to a Champions League title in 2021. Yet, in recent times, he has favored using a back four—a strategy employed during his stints at Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Speculation abounds as to whether he will revert to a more traditional formation or stick to his tried-and-true tactics.
The match will be crucial not just in terms of qualification but also as an opportunity for new players to showcase their talent on the international stage. With the absence of Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel faces a critical decision about his left-back position. Options include the young Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly, who could earn his first cap, or Tino Livramento, who has demonstrated versatility in his club performances. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill also remains a contender for the coveted position.
Among the returning faces, Jordan Henderson, who last played for England over a year ago, finds himself back in the conversation. His inclusion raised eyebrows given his controversial departure to Al Ettifaq, but Tuchel has seen enough from him to consider him for a starting role. Support in the midfield could come from players like Curtis Jones and Jude Bellingham, both of whom bring a youthful dynamism to the center of the park alongside Declan Rice.
In the attacking third, Tuchel will depend on Harry Kane, who had a prolific season under Tuchel during their time at Bayern Munich, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances. Kane will lead the line alongside Marcus Rashford, who is looking to make his mark after a productive loan at Aston Villa, where he's recorded four assists since joining. The two forwards are supported by Phil Foden and possibly, depending on the tactical setup, Curtis Jones or other attacking options.
As the manager prepares to solidify his approach for the future, Tuchel’s task is further complicated by the absence of standout players. Despite this, he has expressed optimism about the squad's depth and the potential contributions from the emerging talents. The selection of new players will be pivotal, and Tuchel’s lineup will provide insight into his strategic vision for the national team.
Kickoff for the eagerly awaited match against Albania is set for 7:45 PM, with international viewers able to catch the action on various platforms. Fans in the United Kingdom can follow the game live on ITV1, while streaming options will be available through ITV X. For American viewers, the match will be broadcast through Fubo and ViX, kicking off at 3:45 PM ET.
Ultimately, as England strives to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win, fans and players alike will be hoping to witness the dawning of a fresh era under Tuchel’s leadership. With the talent available, there is much anticipation surrounding how the team will respond on this pivotal night.
