England completed their World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought win in Albania, thanks to clinical captain Harry Kane scoring twice and sealing England’s place at next summer’s tournament in North America. The victory also had a significant impact on the England National Football Team vs Albania National Football Team Standings, strengthening England’s position as they wrapped up the qualification phase.
Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace managed to maintain his clean sheet record in Tirana with precision saves and excellent quickness off his line, ensuring Albania were unable to find a breakthrough despite several attacking attempts.
| Match | Venue | Result | Goal Scorers | Possession | Shots (On Target) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England national football team vs Albania national football team | Tirana, Albania | England won 2–0 | Harry Kane (2) | England 62% – Albania 38% | England 14 (6) – Albania 7 (2) |
England vs Albania
England have already secured their place at the World Cup, but will look to cap off an excellent qualifier campaign against Albania. Thomas Tuchel’s side have been impressive during these seven matches so far – winning each and scoring 16 goals between them! Harry Kane scored twice against an underwhelming Albania side last Thursday but they will need to be at their best this time if they wish to preserve their 100% record and remain unbeaten!
The Three Lions are strong favourites to win this game based on their superior goal difference versus second-placed team in Group K, Albania. Even after an ineffective first half against Albania, England’s brilliant attacking talent proved decisive and registered an expected goals (xG) score of 0.29. Despite occasional defensive struggles allowing nine shots into their opponents’ net, England have remained secure since losing to Andorra by three goals on October 20, 2021.
With little on the line for both teams, both will look to conserve energy and ease players into the match gradually. That may require making several changes from the side that beat Serbia; Judd Bellingham and Eberechi Eze could get their chance after impressing as substitutes against Black Eagles; Jude Bellingham, Trevoh Chalobah and Jarell Quansah may also feature prominently.
Be on the lookout for Burnley’s Armando Broja up front as he joins former Arsenal midfielder Kristjan Asllani and Serie A stars Elseid Hysaj and Berat Djimsiti; former Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha should also start.
Albania’s football culture is both dynamic and varied, making football an integral part of life in this small nation. The Superliga, an annual competition that showcases national talent and draws large crowds to matches, attracts huge audiences while local derbies between rival clubs create lively scenes. Football plays an enormous part in Albanian culture as an identity symbol; their national team has performed admirably over recent years to galvanise support but remains an obscure presence globally; thus leaving an early exit likely this year’s competition.
Team news
England are set to keep pace as they make their World Cup qualifying campaign come to a close against Albania, who secured their play-off place with a narrow 1-0 win against Andorra on Thursday. England should make history under Thomas Tuchel who has overseen an outstanding defensive record in their national team history.
Tuchel can rely on Bukayo Saka, who eased any concerns regarding his injury following his stunning volley in Thursday’s victory, to serve as second striker alongside Harry Kane. Phil Foden of Manchester City who came off the bench and set up Kane for his second goal is expected to remain part of Tuchel’s lineup.
The visitors are expected to field an experienced squad with many familiar names for Premier League fans. Torino goalkeeper Tomas Strakosha may retain his spot between the sticks while Elseid Hysaj (Lazio) and Berat Djimsiti (Atalanta) will form an experienced backline, while striker Armando Broja is on loan from Inter Milan and expected to feature prominently.
Albania have nothing left to play for in their final World Cup qualifier against England and are likely to adopt a defensive approach on Sunday. They have not conceded at home in a major international tournament qualifying game since Latvia beat them 3 0 back in October 2021 and will strive to limit England’s chances as much as possible. Albania have scored only seven goals during eight away World Cup qualifiers so are unlikely to cause an upset in Tirana.
Predictions
Thomas Tuchel’s England will likely breeze through this dead rubber match against Albania with no issue, having qualified for next year’s World Cup and won all seven matches in Group K thus far. They would love to end the campaign on a high note in Tirana.
At England, defensive performances can still concede goals from time to time, so backing low-scoring encounters at Stadion Kombetare may be worthwhile as both teams tend to take an analytical approach when attacking.
An England win of at least 2-0 seems likely. While Albania may be performing strongly, their hosts may not go all-out and thus England should be able to exert themselves with ease.
Reece James could be rested, with Tottenham defender Djed Spence slated to fill in for him as injured right back. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will look to add another big-game performance after scoring an exquisite volley against Serbia last month.
Both teams will want to keep key players fit before their club seasons commence, so expect some changes to the starting XIs. Phil Foden made his national team debut against Serbia as a substitute, so expect him to look to build upon his club form in order to shine in national team colours.
Declan Rice has established himself as an almost certain starter at center midfield for Arsenal this season and poses a strong threat to opposing defences.
Albania have been consistently strong at home during World Cup qualifying, conceding just one goal in eight matches and recording just three clean sheets in total. Their attack has yet to match their performances elsewhere though and must improve its shooting if they want to cause an upset here.
Jordan Pickford will likely remain England’s starting goalkeeper, after making 10 consecutive clean sheets for Everton during this year. Only Helge Payer of Austria achieved this feat during 2006 qualification.
Head-to-head record
The Three Lions have met Albania eight times since 1989, most of them serving as World Cup qualifiers. Bobby Robson’s side first clashed against Albania for qualification to Italy 1990 in 1989 and came away victorious thanks to John Barnes and Michael Owen goals. Four years later in Qatar 2022 qualification qualifying games, Harry Kane scored again to lead England comfortably to victory with Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka also contributing goals in a five-goal thumping of Albania by their opponents at Wembley Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel kicked off his tenure as England boss with a win against Albania at Tirana. Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his senior international debut to see off Kuqezinjte outfit; later, Harry Kane’s two goals ensured all three points for England while keeping their unblemished record intact.