November 16, (THEWILL) — Thomas Tuchel made seven changes to his starting lineup for Sunday’s trip to Albania, where England secured a 2-0 victory to complete a flawless 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. With the Three Lions already through and their hosts guaranteed a play-off berth, the match carried minimal competitive weight, reflected in both the team selection and a lacklustre opening period.
The contest produced little goalmouth action until after half-time, when Albania briefly threatened through Arber Hoxha. The forward tested Dean Henderson with a fine effort before shooting straight at the goalkeeper from a more promising position moments later.
Recalled midfielder Jude Bellingham created an opening that Eberechi Eze squandered, then fired over the bar himself. Tuchel turned to his bench, introducing Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, though the latter wasted two chances when played through on goal.
Saka’s right-wing corner led to the breakthrough 16 minutes from time, flicked on at the near post by an Albania defender for captain Harry Kane to stab past Thomas Strakosha from close range. Substitute Marcus Rashford supplied the second goal eight minutes later, delivering a superb cross from the left that Kane headed home.
England finished their qualifying phase with eight wins from eight matches, maintaining a clean sheet throughout the entire campaign. The defensive record, which came under brief threat during the second half in Tirana, remained intact to cap a perfect run for Tuchel’s side.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
