Thomas Tuchel learns precious lesson as England break down cussed Albania
England have continued their marvelous qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup – but Thomas Tuchel’s side had to be patient against a stubborn Albania
It was a frustrating evening for Thomas Tuchel, stood on the byline, barking at his players.
England knew they were in for a frustrating evening, even before they had boarded their plane to Tirana, Albania. And a heavily rotated side huffed and puffed against the stubborn side.
The Three Lions have an impressive wealth of talent within their ranks, but the first-team is the first-team and that was proved on the continent.
Harry Kane was the difference maker, netting a brace, but only finding his first after the superstars of Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford were introduced from the bench.
Kane needed a bit of luck to find his first, with a poor corner from Saka somehow finding the feet of Kane – who blasted the ball into the back of the net.
But you can’t take anything from his second, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, Stephen Warnock said: “What a ball from Marcus Rashford!
“Soon as it leaves his boot, I’m thinking, ‘this is hitting Harry Kane’s head’.”
If there were any doubts about who his strongest starting side is before the trip, Tuchel should have an idea now as the Three Lions roar to North America with an unblemished record.
“It was a tough game. We had to grind them down and we did that, ending up with a 2-0 win and another clean sheet. We’re really happy,” Kane told ITV.
“If you are going to go far in a tournament you need the whole squad. That’s what football is about, not just the eleven that starts the game.
“We need everyone. The guys that came on today made a big difference.”
England, heading into next summer, as Europe’s standard setters – eight games, eight wins, 22 goals, none conceded.
The Three Lions have become the first team from the European section of World Cup qualifying to not conceded a goal in seven or more group matches.
More to follow
