Harry Kane’s double gave England an unconvincing 2-0 victory over Albania, and Thomas Tuchel’s side remained unbeaten (no goals conceded) as they completed World Cup qualifying.
The Three Lions were lukewarm and disorganized for much of the game, posting their lowest first-half expected goal value (0.29 x G) under Thomas Tuchel, but Kane revitalized their performance after the break with two goals in eight minutes.
Substitutes played their roles again. Bukayo Saka was brought on for Arsenal teammate Eberechi Eze shortly after the end, and his corner kick in the 74th minute was the goal, with the England captain’s foot going into the goal.
Harry Kane gives England the lead from close range in Albania
And just the evening after, Kane doubled his and England’s record. After the opener, Jarrod Bowen was replaced by Marcus Rashford, who sealed the win with a superb cross from the left that Kane headed into the bottom corner.
Tuchel’s side were lucky to keep their clean record in Group K intact, given that Albania looked the bigger threat before the opening game.
Dean Henderson was forced to make three saves for Tirana, the same number of saves Jordan Pickford made in the other seven qualifying games combined.
Arbor Hoxha contributed to two of those attacks and came closest to becoming the first player to break through the England defense this season, but was thwarted by a diving save from Henderson in the second half.
Given England’s qualification for next summer’s major tournaments, which has always been a draw and little dependence, similar selection issues remain for Tuchel, with Bellingham failing to impress in his first international start since June, Eze failing to build on his strong cameo against Serbia and his defense looking vulnerable at times.
The German head coach will now have to consider the options at his disposal before March. There’s a lot to think about.
Tuchel tells Bellingham to ‘accept’ his decision after addressing reaction to substitution
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England manager Thomas Tuchel said Jude Bellingham was understood to be dissatisfied with the decision and said he “must accept” the decision to substitute him.
Tuchel said Jude Bellingham needs to “accept” his decision after the England midfielder expressed dissatisfaction with being substituted.
The 22-year-old raised his arms in frustration as he looked at Morgan Rodgers, who was waiting to replace him on the touchline, shortly after Kane headed home his second goal.
Asked about his reaction to Bellingham’s substitution, Tuchel said: “It’s a decision and he has to accept it.
“His friends are waiting on the sidelines. Accept that, respect that and keep going.”
Kane: We will go into the World Cup as one of the favorites to win the title.
England captain Harry Kane told ITV:
“(The team) is the best we’ve ever had. Looking at the starting lineup and the guys coming off the bench, we’re going into the tournament as one of the favorites.”
“We have to accept that. That’s been the case in the last two tournaments. That’s natural. We’ve grown under the new manager and we’re looking forward to a great 2026.”
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Harry Kane has qualified for next year’s World Cup and is determined to lead England to glory in the United States.
Tuchel: I loved that match!
England manager Thomas Tuchel told ITV:
“It was a great game. I loved it. It was difficult against Serbia. This one was difficult. We were in full control and then we lost control, but we managed to overcome some difficult moments and atmosphere. Then we started the game with set-piece goals and quality and were able to finish the game. Everyone was happy and deserved it.”
“I felt we were focused and difficult to break through. We needed a little time to get going.
“We wanted to make some offensive changes and send a signal off the bench that we are here to win.
“We have a very strong team. It’s a privilege to influence the game from the bench and the players are great.”
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England national team manager Thomas Tuchel shares his thoughts after qualifying for the World Cup with a perfect record of eight wins from eight games.
“It’s not vintage England, but it worked out in the end.”
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett in Tirana:
It wasn’t vintage England, but it would be remiss not to point out that they became the first European nation to win eight qualifying games without conceding a goal. That’s wonderful.
Tuchel’s last game of 2025 ended with the same scoreline against the same opponent as his first, a 2-0 win against Albania.
It was an unusual and unexpected starting lineup for Tuchel, but after a number of changes, things worked out in the end. England won their last competitive game before next summer’s World Cup. The next time Tuchel will meet with his players will be in the spring, and all eyes will be on North America.
When is the 2026 World Cup draw?
The 2026 World Cup draw will be held on December 5th in Washington.
President Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino to determine group stage brackets at the John F. Kennedy Center, the performing arts venue where Trump is chairman.
When announcing the lottery venue at the White House in August, President Trump said the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports,” while Infantino declared the 104 games would be like “the 104th Super Bowl.”
The draw will take place from 12pm local time (5pm UK time).
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
This will be the 23rd tournament.
