Tuchel has already raised a few eyebrows with his first squad selection, as experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson comes back into the fold along with Marcus Rashford, who has endured a season of struggle. New arrivals come in the form of young Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final hero Dan Burn, who has earned a first call-up at the age of 32.
England fans will be hoping for an impressive first look at Tuchel’s vision, which at club level has garnered three league titles and a Champions League trophy, among other honours, but makes its bow on the international stage. With Latvia visiting Wembley on Monday night in Group K, supporters and squad alike will hope the next week will prove to be the first steps to World Cup glory.
Big night: Thomas Tuchel takes charge of England for the first time against Albania at Wembley
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Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Albania is scheduled for a 7:45pm GMT kick-off tonight on Friday March 21, 2025.
The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in north London.
Where to watch England vs Albania
TV channel: In the UK, England vs Albania is being shown live and free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 7pm GMT.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live online for free via the ITVX app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action tonight with Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from reporters Dan Kilpatrick, Malik Ouzia and Dom Smith at the ground.
England vs Albania team news
The returning Henderson may get the nod as part of a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Morgan Gibbs-White has replaced Cole Palmer, who will spend the international break with Chelsea after picking up an injury.
Rashford is back and his more direct style could be preferred on the wing to the likes of Phil Foden, though both Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon are in better form. Captain Harry Kane will lead the line.
Debut hopes: Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly in England training at St George’s Park this week
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Albania, whose head coach is former Arsenal and Barcelona defender Sylvinho and assistant coach is ex-Manchester City man Pablo Zabaleta, are sweating over the fitness of Empoli’s Ardian Ismajli, who was unable to complete training on Wednesday and will be assessed ahead of the game. The centre-back was expected to start alongside Berat Djimsiti.
Armando Broja, the Chelsea striker on loan at Everton, is fit again and in line to feature, while Rangers midfielder Nedim Bajrami will be hoping to get the nod. Fulham’s Adrion Pajaziti and Etnik Brruti are uncapped.
England vs Albania prediction
As far as first tests go, Tuchel will know this could have been easier – like Monday’s opponents, Latvia, for example – but there will be very few excuses for not winning. The toughest opponents for the Three Lions during World Cup qualifying are expected to be Serbia, who come later in the year.
Tuchel will be desperate to get his reign up and running with a statement win, and the gulf in class between both squads is vast, despite a smattering of recognisable names in Sylvinho’s squad. All being well, England should win this comfortably, extending their perfect record against ‘The Red and Blacks’.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England have won all six of their previous meetings with Albania, and have conceded just one goal during that time – a 93rd-minute consolation from Altin Rraklli in 2001.
England vs Albania match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).