England welcome Albania to Wembley as their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign begins, with new manager Thomas Tuchel in the dugout for the first time.
The German coach will make his debut as Three Lions boss on Friday, five months after being confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor, with the first of a qualifier double-header.
Tuchel has already raised a few eyebrows with his first squad selection, as experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson comes back in 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 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 has at club level garnered three league titles and a Champions League trophy, among other honours, but makes its bow on the international stage. With Latvia visiting on Monday, supporters and squad alike will hope the next week will prove to be the first steps to World Cup glory.
Thomas Tuchel
Getty Images
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Albania is scheduled for a 7.45pm BST kick-off 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, the game will be televised live on ITV1.
Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via the ITVX app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick, Malik Ouzia and Dom Smith at the ground.
England vs Albania team news
Thomas Tuchel has given himself some decisions to make for his first game in charge. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly could be handed a debut from the off given England’s lack of options at left-back. Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah and James Trafford are the other uncapped players in the squad.
The returning Jordan Henderson may get the nod as part of a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Morgan Gibbs-White has replaced Cole Palmer in the squad, who will spend the international break with Chelsea after picking up an injury.
Marcus 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.
Myles Lewis-Skelly in England training
The FA via Getty Images
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 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. Adrion Pajaziti and Etnik Brruti are uncapped.
England vs Albania prediction
As far as first tests go, Thomas Tuchel will know this could have been easier – like Monday’s opponents, Lativa, 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 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).