This evening, 20:45 GMT, England welcomes Albania at London's Wembley Stadium as they begin their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be Thomas Tuchel's first as England manager, following the exit of Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024.
Team Overviews
England comes into this game with hope high under Tuchel's command. The team has a combination of veteran players and upcoming stars. Specifically, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford are back in the team, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn waiting for possible debuts. citeturn0news19
Albania, ranked 65th in the FIFA ranking, aim to pull a surprise over the hosts despite being viewed as underdogs. Their side is eager to make an impression of their own in the qualifiers, focusing on defensive organization and swift counter-attacks.
Head-to-Head
England has dominated this match in the past, with all six of their previous encounters against Albania resulting in their favor. The last one in November 2021 was a 5-0 victory for England at Wembley. citeturn0search0
Match Expectations
With the tactical acumen of Tuchel, England will be looking to play an energetic and possession-based game. The focus will be on properly integrating Harry Kane into the attack scheme, resolving previous issues with his role. citeturn0news18 Albania will play a dogged defense, hoping to take advantage of any opportunity on the counter.
Weather Conditions
The weather in London should be mainly cloudy, with daytime temperatures around 65°F (18°C) and evening temperatures at 52°F (11°C). These should be perfect for football, providing a consistent and chilly condition for the players.
Conclusion
As England starts its World Cup qualifying campaign under new leadership, supporters are waiting to see the team change and direction. Albania, despite being up against a strong rival, will seek to surprise and gain a favorable outcome. The game will be a good contest to watch, as it sets the pace for the qualifiers.