ENGLAND 2-0 ALBANIA: Thomas Tuchel earned his first win as England boss thanks to goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane at Wembley as the Three Lions started World Cup qualifying
Thomas Tuchel got his England tenure off to a winning start against Albania in a 2-0 win. The new national team boss earned his first three points of this World Cup Qualifying campaign thanks to Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane but oversaw a tepid performance overall.
The German coach did not have to wait long to see his first goal at Wembley and he scarcely could have been happier with the source. The ever-influential Jude Bellingham played the ball at a perfect pace for Lewis-Skelly’s waiting run and the 18-year-old debutant squeezed the ball underneath goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
That did not introduce the freeflowing, attacking exhibition many would have hoped for, though. The Three Lions dominated possession but were given food for thought upon the introduction of Armando Broja to Albania’s ranks in the second period.
Kane did what he does best to ease any pressure and doubled England’s lead following a smart touch from Declan Rice’s cross. And as so often in qualification, England got the job done.
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Mirror Football takes a look at the talking points to arise from the match.
Did Tuchel deliver?
Going into his first game as England boss, Tuchel set his stall out in certain areas. The coach admitted he would not sing the national anthem. That transpired on Friday evening after he committed to only singing it when he believed he was worthy of it.
Frankly, if he never sings it, it makes absolutely no difference. A player or coach’s ability to sing about king and country will do little to impact the focus required for success on and off the pitch. Tuchel wants to win and that is what is most important going into the 2026 World Cup.
What people may take more interest in is Tuchel’s other comments coming into the game. You can’t expect too much from a manager’s first match in charge. But when claims of bringing exciting football come alongside asserting England lacked a style on the way to the Euro 2024 final – expectations will rise.
The build up and execution of Lewis-Skelly’s goal certainly whet the appetite but against an opposition with little hunger to attack, there remained plenty of pause. The hallmarks of many an England performance were all there.
Tuchel and England’s supporters will hope to see progress. And in the end, if the new boss gets spotted singing Three Lions while carrying the World Cup trophy in just over 12 months time… that’s when he can truly be judged.
A first chance
It’s been quite the week for Newcastle central defender Dan Burn. Few expected him to be called up to play for England and fewer probably expected him to start Tuchel’s first match. But the towering debutant showed that he was highly thought of by the German for the qualities he brings on the pitch as well as off.
“It was a simple decision to bring him in,” Tuchel said before the game. “He had that huge final and impact here a few days ago. We didn’t wasnt to disrupt his wave. We opted for Dan and he was impressive in training and vocal. It felt like his 50th cap and not his first one.”
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Burn was a persistent threat from set-pieces, as he was against Liverpool, and at 32, presents an interesting option with the World Cup little over a year away. There may have been some expectation he could slot into a back three, he is versatile in the backline and he certainly brings a physical presence.
Tuchel will hope to find ways to win and Burn may just provide him with options he otherwise wouldn’t have if he can prove worthy of the shirt. A couple of issues against Armando Broja ensured it was not a perfect outing, however.
Give youth a chance
It is not something that Tuchel has always been associated with in club football. At Chelsea, while he handed Lewis Hall his debut, only Trevoh Chalobah emerged as an option who broke through into his plans and then not as first choice.
But Tuchel’s selection appears to have looked to take advantage of the momentum built in club football, and the ex-PSG and Borussia Dortmund boss watched Lewis-Skelly against Tottenham and Manchester City. With few options at left-back, it was perhaps an easy decision.
“I understand why everyone loves the boy – a big character and very talented player,” said Tuchel before the game. “He is ready to go.” Boy was the boss right. The teenager became England’s youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut, surpassing a record set by Marcus Rashford.
The Arsenal ace took the occasion in his stride and offered plenty of width and threat to an opposition who were often happy to sit in a deep position. Cool and composed on the ball, the youngster took his opportunity in an area England are light on players.
Rashford’s recall
The Aston Villa loanee was fast-tracked back into the England squad and into Tuchel’s starting line-up as he looks to get back to his best away from Manchester United. The 27-year-old has predominantly been a bench option for Unai Emery and has yet to find the scoresheet despite some promising assists, but he does have England pedigree.
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With Rashford’s strengths coming in space behind the defence, it is perhaps difficult when the opposition is happy to sit in a deep position. It was not a performance that would by any means cement his spot in Tuchel’s plans, but perhaps a selection that will provide him a boost as he continues his path to top form.
There were flashes, but Rashord’s issue perhaps comes in the talent he is competing with. Anthony Gordon took his place against Albania and has plenty to offer too.
He
There has been plenty of change since Tuchel’s appointment but at the first showing, Bellingham has sent an important reminder he will be central to any success England have. When he is on the ball, possibilities are open and when his team-mates struggle to find them, the side does not look quite as good.
A special, special player, who England are likely to build around. His interactions against teams like Albania, while Kane drops deeper will be a crucial sign of progress.
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