England are targeting the 2026 World Cup after coming close to winning the European Championship twice in a row in 2020 and 2024, losing in the final on both occasions. The defeat to Spain in Berlin last June brought the Southgate era to an end. The much-criticized coach was fired by popular demand and a long casting process began: in the end, after a few months of “interregnum” with Lee Carsley, the choice fell on Thomas Tuchel, a renowned German coach who has led some of the most important clubs in Europe (Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich) but this was his first experience at the helm of a national team.
It will be up to him to try and lead a generation to glory that, despite the great amount of talent in all the departments, risks going home empty-handed (England hasn’t won a major title since the famous 1966 World Cup on home soil). In the meantime, they’ll have to qualify for the next World Cup: the Three Lions have been drawn in a group that has a few hidden dangers, although it’s worth remembering that under Southgate’s management, the qualifiers have never been a problem. In addition to the English, the group also includes the talented but inconsistent Serbs – a more credible rival for first place, the only one up for grabs – Sylvinho’s Albania and the easily beatable Latvians and Andorrans.
Palmer has withdrawn
The first match is at Wembley against Albania, who have somewhat fallen back into line after celebrating qualifying for Euro 2024. The continental adventure, as was to be expected, didn’t end very well but the Shqiponjat also disappointed in the group stage of the Nations League, which took place last fall: Albania was even relegated to League C after finishing last in a group with the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Georgia.
Tuchel has recalled Rashford and former Liverpool player Henderson, but there are also new additions Lewis-Skelly and Burn. Palmer, on the other hand, will not be there, having been injured before the last game with Chelsea. In Albania, Broja and Manaj are back, both absent in the matches played by the Rossoneri in November. Mitaj and Hysaj are unavailable.
Odds comparison
The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.55 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai. The “No Goal” sign is quoted at 1.42 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.40 on Snai.
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The prediction
England have won all six previous matches against Albania: in the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup they thrashed them, scoring a total of 7 goals in the first and second leg and not conceding a single one. It’s normal for there to be unknowns when a new coach makes his debut, but the gap between the two teams remains very wide: an English victory is not in question and at least three goals in total at Wembley. Keep an eye on the usual Kane, who since 2016 has been the most prolific in UEFA qualifiers after Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo (17 goals in 14 matches).
The probable line-ups for England-Albania
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Guéhi, Colwill, Lewis-Skelly; Henderson, Rice; Foden, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
ALBANIA (4-2-3-1): Strakosha; Balliu, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Aliji; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Muçi; Manaj.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-0