Tuchel's England era begins with commanding 2-0 Win over Albania

Debutant Lewis-Skelly makes history as Kane seals victory in a dominant Wembley display

Wembley Stadium, Attendance: 82,378

Thomas Tuchel's inaugural match at the helm showcased England's tactical prowess and the seamless integration of emerging talents. The Three Lions' dominance in possession and clinical finishing set a positive tone for their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane found the net in a dominant performance at Wembley.

England started strongly, controlling 79% of possession in the first half and opening the scoring in the 20th minute. Lewis-Skelly, England's third-youngest goal-scorer behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, immediately impacted his debut, bursting forward to meet Jude Bellingham's precise through ball before finishing clinically past Thomas Strakosha. He became England's youngest debutant goal-scorer in doing so, surpassing Marcus Rashford's record.

Albania struggled to impose themselves, growing frustrated as centre-back Berat Djimsiti picked up a yellow card in the 32nd minute for dissent. Despite their dominance, England led just 1-0 at halftime.

Albania made the first change in the 63rd minute, bringing on Armando Broja for Bajrami. Tuchel responded with a triple substitution in the 74th minute, introducing Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen for Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, while Morgan Rogers replaced Curtis Jones.

Shortly after, England sealed the win. In the 78th minute, Declan Rice played a clever pass into Kane, who brought the ball down in the box, shifted past a defender, and curled his shot into the far corner. Albania made two substitutions following the goal, with Asani replaced by Hoxha and Laci making way for Pajaziti.

The game saw a concerning moment for Albania in the 82nd minute when goalkeeper Strakosha was forced off due to injury, with Kastrati coming on. England also made a change, as Jordan Henderson replaced Rice.

In the final moments, Wembley rose to applaud Lewis-Skelly as he was substituted in the 90th minute for Reece James, capping off an impressive debut. England controlled 74% of overall possession, with Albania unable to threaten Jordan Pickford's goal.

A strong start to Tuchel's reign saw England maintain control, blending youth and experience to secure a professional victory.

England Line-Up: Pickford; Walker, Rice (Henderson 82'), Konsa, Foden (Bowen 74'); Kane, Bellingham, Rashford (Gordon 74'); Burn, Jones (Rodgers 74'), Lewis-Skelly (James 90')

Albania Line-Up: Strakosha (Kastrati 82'); Balliu, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Aliji; Asllani, Ramadani, Laci (Pajaziti 78'); Asani (Hoxha 78'), Uzuni, Bajrami (Broja 63')

Next Fixture: England vs. Latvia (Monday, March 24, 2025)

England will next face Latvia in another crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier at Wembley. Latvia, currently ranked outside the top 100 in FIFA's rankings, will be considered heavy underdogs but have shown resilience in previous qualifiers.

Tuchel may opt to rotate his squad, potentially giving players like Marc Guehi and Morgan Rogers more minutes. England will be expected to dominate possession again, emphasising breaking down what is likely to be a deep defensive block from Latvia.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM GMT, with the Three Lions aiming to build on their impressive start under their new manager.