England has its sights set on the 2026 World Cup after narrowly missing out on victory in the European Championships in 2020 and 2024, losing in the final on both occasions. The defeat to Spain in Berlin last June brought an end to the Southgate era. The highly controversial coach was sacked by popular demand, and a long search began. In the end, after a few months of ‘interregnum’ under Lee Carsley, the choice fell on Thomas Tuchel, a renowned German coach who has led some of Europe’s most important clubs (Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich) but is now taking charge of a national team for the first time.
It will be up to him to try to lead to glory a generation that, despite the wealth of talent in all areas, risks coming away empty-handed (England has not won a major title since the famous 1966 World Cup on home soil). In the meantime, England must qualify for the next World Cup: the Three Lions have been drawn in a group that hides a few pitfalls, although it should be remembered that qualifying has never been a problem under Southgate. In addition to England, the group also includes the talented but inconsistent Serbia—the most credible rival for first place, the only one offering a direct pass—Sylvinho’s Albania, and the beatable Latvia and Andorra.
Palmer has withdrawn
The first match is at Wembley against Albania, who have settled down a bit after celebrating their qualification for Euro 2024. The continental adventure, as expected, did not end very well, but the Shqiponjat also disappointed in the Nations League group stage last autumn: Albania was even relegated to League C after finishing last in a group with the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Georgia.
Tuchel has called up Rashford and former Liverpool player Henderson, but there are also new additions Lewis and Burn. Palmer will not be available, having picked up an injury before his last game with Chelsea. Broja and Manaj are back for Albania, both of whom missed the Rossoneri’s games in November. Mitaj and Hysaj are unavailable.
Odds comparison
The “Over 2.5” bet is priced at 1.55 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “No Goals” bet is priced at 1.42 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.40 on Snai.
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The prediction
England has won all six previous matches against Albania: in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, they thrashed them, scoring a total of seven goals in both legs and conceding none. It is normal that there are unknowns ahead of the debut of a new coach, but the gap between the two teams remains very wide: an English victory is a foregone conclusion, with at least three goals at Wembley. Keep an eye on the usual Kane, who since 2016 has been the most prolific player in UEFA qualifying after Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo (17 goals in 14 matches).
Probable line-ups for England v 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