Menu
In a highly anticipated opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign at Wembley, England claimed a convincing 2–0 victory over Albania. Under new manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions showcased a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline. The game was marked by a momentous debut from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who became the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut. His goal, coming in the 20th minute from an inch-perfect pass by Jude Bellingham, set the tone for the match as England maintained their dominance throughout the game. Later, in the 77th minute, captain Harry Kane added a clinical finish—his 70th international goal—to seal the win and send a clear message that England are ready to kickstart a new era in international football.
England’s breakthrough arrived early. The defining moment came in the 20th minute when Jude Bellingham’s precise pass found debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly. With composure beyond his years, Lewis-Skelly tucked a low finish between the legs of Albania’s goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha. This goal was not only historic for the young Arsenal man but also crucial in setting the pace of the match.
As the game progressed, England continued to press despite Albania’s gradual efforts to find footing. While Albania gradually grew into the contest as the first half progressed, England remained the more threatening of the two sides in the final third, with Bellingham seeing a poked effort smartly saved by Strakosha. On 77th minute. Harry Kane, with his characteristic poise, controlled a deft touch on a pass from Declan Rice before sweeping a powerful finish into the bottom corner. This goal, arriving at a crucial juncture, essentially ended any hope for a late comeback by Albania.
Throughout the match, England’s early dominance, punctuated by the set-piece routine that produced Lewis-Skelly’s goal, proved to be the turning point, while Kane’s strike in the dying minutes confirmed their supremacy.
Myles Lewis-Skelly emerged as the standout performer of the evening. On his senior debut, his goal was a moment of individual brilliance that resonated with both fans and pundits alike. His movement in the box and timely finish were instrumental in giving England an early lead and set him apart as a player to watch.
Jude Bellingham’s vision and incisive passing also deserved accolades; his ability to find space and deliver a perfect through ball was key to unlocking the Albanian defense. In addition, Harry Kane’s leadership was evident when he stepped up to score his milestone 70th international goal, combining experience with clinical execution.
On the defensive end, while Albania’s goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a few brave saves, he was ultimately undone by England’s set-piece quality. For England, the midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Bellingham provided both defensive stability and creative impetus. Overall, the English players showcased a mix of youthful promise and veteran composure, earning high ratings for their roles in both attack and defense.
For Albania, despite their resilient efforts in the second half, individual performances were largely overshadowed by their inability to create clear-cut opportunities. Their discipline in defense was commendable, but the lack of clinical finishing ultimately left them without answers.
Thomas Tuchel’s tactical blueprint was evident from the first whistle. England adopted a compact and aggressive pressing system, aimed at disrupting Albania’s rhythm early on. By maintaining a disciplined shape and forcing turnovers in midfield, England were able to exploit the spaces left by Albania’s counter-attacking setup.
Set-pieces played a crucial role in the match. England’s routine, honed in training and executed with precision, led directly to Lewis-Skelly’s debut goal. The organization and timing of their corner routines put immense pressure on the Albanian defense, which struggled to cope with the aerial threat. In contrast, Albania’s approach was more cautious. They gradually attempted to grow into the match, but their reluctance to commit forward left them vulnerable to England’s relentless pressure.
Defensively, England’s structure was solid. The midfield’s compactness not only stifled Albania’s build-up play but also ensured that Liverpool’s typical possession-based approach was neutralized. Even as substitutions were made in the later stages to inject fresh energy, England maintained their focus on keeping the structure intact.
On the other hand, Albania’s tactical approach was characterized by patience and counter-attacking intent. However, their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances – especially on set-pieces – meant that they were always a step behind. Their defense, though organized, was unable to cope with the quality and precision of England’s attacking movements.
After the final whistle, the atmosphere at Wembley was one of cautious celebration. England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of starting the campaign with a win. “We set out to prove that we’re ready for this new era,” he remarked. “The quality on show today – especially from our set-piece execution – demonstrates that every member of this squad is willing to step up.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly was understandably emotional about his debut. “Scoring on my first appearance for England was surreal,” he said. “It’s a dream come true, and I’m grateful to my teammates for creating that opportunity.”
Harry Kane, serving as captain, noted that his goal was a “reward for the hard work” shown by the entire team. He added, “This result sends a strong message to our opponents—we are here to compete, and every chance we get, we will make it count.”
On the Albania side, their manager acknowledged the loss but remained upbeat about the team’s potential for growth. “We gave everything on the pitch, and while we couldn’t convert our chances today, the experience will help us improve,” he commented.
While England dominated key areas, the numbers tell a compelling story of efficiency. According to Flashscore data, England controlled 74% of the possession, while Albania held 26%. Although Liverpool’s style typically favors higher possession, England’s direct approach was more effective. They recorded 12 shots, 6 of which were on target, compared to Albania’s 3 shots with 0 on target.
Set-piece performance was critical—England earned 4 corners to Albania’s 1, and this advantage translated directly into Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough goal. Defensively, England committed only 9 fouls versus Albania’s 7, reflecting their Three Lion’s pressure manner.
Passing accuracy also played its part; England achieved an 94% pass accuracy in key midfield areas, ensuring their transitions were smooth and effective. Moreover, the expected goals (xG) metrics favored England at 1.66 compared to Albania’s 0.06 meaning complete dominance of the Three Lions’ team.
The match offered several key takeaways for the England side and serves as a roadmap for future fixtures. First and foremost, the importance of set-pieces was underscored. The meticulous execution that led to Lewis-Skelly’s goal is something that can be replicated in future games. Additionally, the debutant’s impact highlighted the value of youth and the necessity of providing opportunities for emerging talent within the national setup.
Defensive discipline also proved vital. Even though Liverpool’s style usually emphasizes possession, England’s ability to maintain a structured defense and limit Albania’s counter-attacks was crucial. The effective pressing in midfield ensured that the transition from defense to attack was both swift and efficient.
For Albania, the lesson is equally clear: without clinical finishing, even organized defensive efforts may not be enough to secure points against top-tier opposition. They will need to focus on converting limited opportunities into goals while tightening up their own defensive structure to prevent set-piece vulnerabilities.
England:
With a strong start to the campaign under Tuchel, England will look to build on this performance as they continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey. The victory at Wembley is a clear indication that the team can blend youthful talent with experienced leadership. The focus will now shift to maintaining consistency and further refining set-piece routines, which have proven to be the match-winner. Upcoming fixtures will test England’s ability to cope with different tactical setups and varying levels of opposition, but this result should boost their confidence moving forward.
Albania:
For Albania, the defeat is a learning experience. Despite showing some resilience in the second half, they were unable to turn limited chances into goals. Their focus now will be on addressing the defensive lapses and improving their offensive conversion rate. As they regroup, Albania’s coaching staff will likely emphasize compact defensive organization and sharper transitions in attack. The challenge will be to close the gap against stronger opponents and build a foundation for future matches in the qualifying campaign.
England vs Latvia Match Review & Analysis - 24 March 2025
A Week to Forget, a Summer to Define: Liverpool’s Lessons from a Tough Seven Days
Liverpool vs Newcastle United Match Review & Analysis – March 16 2025
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad | Match Review & Analysis – March 13, 2025