On March 21, 2025, England will face Albania at Wembley Stadium in their first match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, marking the debut of new head coach Thomas Tuchel. With high expectations, the Three Lions aim to start their campaign on a strong note against a struggling Albanian side.
Key Takeaways
- Match Date and Time: March 21, 2025, at 7:45 PM GMT
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- England’s FIFA Ranking: 4th
- Albania’s FIFA Ranking: 65th
- Historical Record: England has won all six previous encounters against Albania.
England’s New Era Under Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel, known for his successful stints at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, takes the helm of the England national team with a clear goal: to lead the Three Lions to their first World Cup victory since 1966. Tuchel’s tactical approach is expected to differ from that of his predecessor, Gareth Southgate, as he may favor a back four formation, which aligns with his historical coaching style.
Team News and Lineups
England:
- Key Players: Harry Kane (captain), Jude Bellingham, and Jordan Pickford.
- Injuries: Notable absentees include Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Cole Palmer.
- Possible Starting XI:
- Pickford
- James
- Guehi
- Colwill
- Lewis-Skelly
- Jones
- Rice
- Bellingham
- Foden
- Kane
- Gordon
Albania:
- Key Players: Armando Broja and Kristjan Asllani.
- Injuries: Adrian Ismajli is a fitness concern, while Broja returns from injury.
- Possible Starting XI:
- Strakosha
- Balliu
- Ismajli
- Djimsiti
- Mihaj
- Asllani
- Ramadani
- Laci
- Asani
- Broja
- Muci
Match Expectations
England enters the match with a strong record, having won five of their last six games. The team is heavily favored to win, with betting odds reflecting their dominance at 1.16 for a victory. In contrast, Albania’s recent form has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their last eleven matches.
Historical Context
- Previous Encounters: England has a perfect record against Albania, winning all six matches and conceding only once.
- Recent Performance: Albania’s struggles in the Nations League and their inability to secure wins against top teams raise concerns about their competitiveness in this fixture.
Conclusion
As the match approaches, excitement builds among fans eager to see how Tuchel’s leadership will shape the future of the England national team. With a talented squad and a favorable historical record, England looks to secure a convincing victory against Albania, setting the tone for their World Cup qualifying campaign. Fans can catch the action live on ITV1 and ITVX as the Three Lions aim to start their journey towards the 2026 World Cup on a high note.
Sources
- How to watch today’s England vs Albania World Cup qualification game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time, Goal.com.
- England vs Albania: Thomas Tuchel expected to field back four when he begins his reign with World Cup qualifier | Football News, Sky Sports.
- England kicks off Tuchel era against Albania, Jamaica Observer.
- England Hosts Albania In World Cup Qualifier Under Tuchel, Evrim Ağacı.
- England vs. Albania odds, where to watch, live stream: World Cup qualifying prediction, odds, picks, lineups, CBS Sports.
