Tuchel's England Era Begins with Convincing Win

England began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley. Myles Lewis-Skelly made history with a debut goal, while Harry Kane sealed the victory with his 70th international strike.

Thomas Tuchel's tenure as England manager got off to a flying start at Wembley, courtesy of a convincing 2-0 win over Albania in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Three Lions secured three crucial points, thanks in part to Myles Lewis-Skelly's historic debut goal.

England's impressive run to the Euro 2024 final just eight months prior set the tone for a promising new era under Tuchel. The hosts took control from the outset, dictating the pace of the game. Their dominance paid off in the 20th minute, when a pinpoint Jude Bellingham pass found Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly made history with his debut goal, becoming the youngest player to ever score on his senior England debut. The Arsenal talent showed composure beyond his years, slotting a low finish past Thomas Strakosha to send the Wembley crowd into raptures.

As the first half unfolded, Albania gradually gained momentum, but England maintained their edge in the attacking third. Jude Bellingham's clever effort was denied by a sharp save from Thomas Strakosha, highlighting England's persistent threat.

England continued to push for a second goal as the half drew to a close. However, Berat Djimsiti's exceptional block thwarted Harry Kane's goal-bound strike, and Dan Burn's powerful header rattled the crossbar. These narrow escapes kept Albania in the game, still trailing by just a single goal.

Albania displayed greater defensive solidity in the second half, limiting England's clear-cut chances. Harry Kane's glancing header sailed wide of the far post, marking one of England's few genuine scoring opportunities as the game entered its final 20 minutes. Thomas Tuchel responded by introducing fresh legs, including Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, and Morgan Rogers.

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The decisive second goal arrived in the 77th minute, courtesy of Harry Kane's brilliance. The England captain expertly controlled Declan Rice's delivery with a sublime touch, before sweeping a clinical finish into the bottom corner for his 70th international goal. This moment of magic effectively sealed the win for the Three Lions, allowing them to cruise through the remaining minutes and extend their unbeaten record against Albania to seven consecutive victories.