England open their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign under new manager Thomas Tuchel as they host Albania at Wembley Stadium on Friday.
The Three Lions aim for a dominant start, while Albania look to defy the odds and make history by snatching an unlikely result.
🔴 England Eye Strong Start Under Tuchel | Home Win = 1.17💵
England remained unbeaten in 31 consecutive World Cup qualifiers, showcasing their dominance in European campaigns. With Tuchel taking charge for the first time, the Three Lions aim to continue their momentum following a strong UEFA Nations League run.
Their superior head-to-head record against Albania suggests another comfortable win. Having won all six previous meetings without conceding in the last three, England will seek an early lead and control possession against a side struggling for form.
🔵 Albania Face Tough Challenge at Wembley | Away Win = 20.60💵
Albania suffered relegation in the UEFA Nations League after a 2-1 defeat to Ukraine but will look to bounce back in World Cup qualifiers. Despite their recent struggles, Sylvinho's men remain determined to challenge England and improve their record against top-ranked nations.
Albania have never won a competitive match against a top-10 FIFA-ranked nation, losing 17 of 19 attempts. With their only goal against England coming in six previous encounters, Albania must produce a flawless defensive display while capitalizing on limited attacking opportunities to stand a chance against Tuchel’s Three Lions.
🔑Key Players & Team News📰:
England will be without Cole Palmer, who withdrew due to injury, with Morgan Gibbs-White replacing him. Harry Kane leads the line, supported by Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, while Jordan Pickford is set to earn his 74th cap in goal.
Albania’s squad features seven Serie A-based players, but they will miss Lazio's Elseid Hysaj due to injury. Berat Djimsiti anchors the defense while returning strikers Armando Broja and Rey Manaj will be crucial in the attack.
🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 8.07💵
🏏 England have won all six previous meetings with Albania, scoring 14 goals and conceding just once. | Specials Market: Home & Over 3.5 = 2.44
🏏 Albania have won two (2) and drew one of their last four (4) away games in all competitions beating Ukraine and Georgia and drawing Croatia in this period. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes (GG/NG) = 3.05
As England begins life under Tuchel and Albania seek an upset, Friday’s encounter promises an intriguing battle of tactics and resilience at Wembley.
🔗You can check out the European World Cup Qualifier England vs Albania on MSport.
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