In a notable start for the new England manager Thomas Tuchel, the national team secured a 2-0 victory against Albania in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium. This match, held on March 21, 2025, marked Tuchel’s debut in charge of the Three Lions following his appointment last October and came amidst a mixed reception from the media.
During this match, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane emerged as the goal scorers. Lewis-Skelly made history by becoming the youngest player to score on his England debut at just 18 years and 176 days old, showcasing his potential on an international stage. Kane, now with a remarkable total of 70 goals for England, added the second goal in the 77th minute, further solidifying his position as the team’s all-time leading scorer.
Tuchel, who refrained from singing the national anthem, emphasized that he aims to earn the right to join in the traditional song, reflecting a respectful approach towards his new role. He is the third foreign manager to lead the English national team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Looking ahead, Tuchel's challenges include guiding England to qualify for the prestigious 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This win against Albania was largely unchallenging as England dominated possession and created numerous chances against a team ranked 65th in the world.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is dealing with concerns regarding Cole Palmer’s fitness as they await the results of a scan. Palmer has struggled to find the back of the net recently, leading to scrutiny of his form. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed confidence in Palmer’s potential, stating, “Cole is a human being and can have some moments during a season where he struggles a little bit more.”
In addition, Liverpool is enjoying a strong position in the Premier League following a convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester City, with prominent performances from players like Mohamed Salah. Salah’s stellar season has positioned him as a key player, even drawing comparisons to legendary figures from past Premier League eras. After the match against City, commentator Ally McCoist expressed admiration for Salah, declaring him among the all-time greats in the league’s history.
On the flip side, Leicester City is facing internal challenges with backroom changes following a dismal 4-0 defeat against Brentford, marking a worrying trend for the club. Amid fan discontent directed at the board and management, two assistant coaches were let go while Ruud van Nistelrooy's position as head coach remains in question as the club resides in the relegation zone.
In contrast, the Brighton Hove Albion squad is also dealing with injury concerns, particularly with key players like Danny Welbeck and Joel Veltman. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler discussed the situation during a pre-match press conference ahead of their FA Cup tie against Newcastle, emphasizing a cautious approach to player fitness, “I am still concerned about Danny Welbeck and Joel Veltman. We have to wait how the training will go today and make a decision.”
Arsenal's title aspirations appear to be challenged as well, with Martin Keown discussing two critical factors leading to the team’s struggles. He noted issues of discipline and injury, reflecting a larger trend of challenges faced in high-pressure matches.
In summary, the football landscape this weekend showcases a blend of triumphs and challenges across clubs in the Premier League and beyond. England’s win under Tuchel represents a hopeful beginning for a national team eager to forge a new identity, while clubs like Leicester and Arsenal grapple with internal pressures amidst a fiercely competitive season.
