England welcome Albania to the Wembley Stadium in the World Cup qualifiers on Friday night as the first game of the group stages.
Thomas Tuchel was announced as the Three Lions’ new manager in October, but this will be his first time leading the team this week.
Match Preview
Tuchel will be looking to make a strong first impression when his side take on Albania during the March international break.
The 2024 European Championship finalists boast an impressive record against the Red and Blacks, having won all of their previous six matches against the national side.
Their most recent success came in 2021 for the World Cup in Qatar when Albania lost 5-0 after a superb hat-trick from Harry Kane.
England are also unbeaten across their previous 31 qualifiers for FIFA’s premier tournament, with 23 wins to their name.
England are the strong favourites to top their group, which feature Andorra, Latvia, Serbia and Albania.
Sylvinho’s side were relegated to League C in the Nations League after losing their last match to Ukraine in November.
However, they will be looking to make a fresh and positive start in World Cup qualifying.
Team News
Tuchel surprised many fans with his selection of Jordan Henderson, who has turned 34 and is playing in the Eredivisie for Ajax. However, the experienced midfielder will be keen to repay the faith of his manager by doing well for his country in the two matches.
Cole Palmer was named in the squad but he will miss Friday’s fixture due to a muscle injury.
As for Albania, they have a few injury woes this week. They will not be able to call upon the services of Elseid Hysaj and Mario Mitaj as they are both confined to the infirmary.
England vs Albania potential line-ups
England: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Colwill, Lewis-Skelly; Henderson, Rice; Foden, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Albania: Strakosha; Balliu, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Aliji; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Muci; Manaj
How to Watch?
Soccer fans can enjoy all the World Cup qualifiers, including England vs Albania, via live streams.
England vs Albania prediction
Given the quality and form of the two sides, England are expected to sweep aside Albania on home turf this Friday.
England 3-1 Albania
