Harry Kane netted twice in the second half as England secured a 2-0 win over Albania, completing a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign with eight wins from eight.
With the Three Lions already assured of the group-top spot, manager Thomas Tuchel made seven changes to the side that defeated Serbia at Wembley on Thursday.
Despite tactical adjustments, including John Stones stepping into midfield during possession, England’s display was not their most dominant. Kane, now on 78 international goals, opened the scoring in the 74th minute, tapping in from Bukayo Saka’s corner before heading home Marcus Rashford’s cross eight minutes later.
Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Bowen, and Saka also came close, while Albania, unbeaten in their previous eight games, had a notable chance when Arber Hoxha’s strike was saved by Dean Henderson during a counter-attack.
“It was a controlled win, but not our most fluid display,” Tuchel said. “We created chances, and Kane’s finishing made the difference.”
England’s perfect record makes them the first European side to play at least six qualifiers and win them all without conceding a goal.
Tuchel’s Tactical Brilliance Shines
Tuchel used the match to test his squad depth, giving debutant Jarell Quansah his first cap—the seventh player to earn a first cap under Tuchel in ten games. The lineup also reflected Tuchel’s assessment of who currently ranks as second-choice in each position, particularly highlighting the competition between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for the England number 10 role.
“We have clarity on the squad and who is competing where,” Tuchel explained. “Substitutions at the right time have been key to keeping the team performing at its best.”
Well-timed changes proved crucial once again. Against Serbia, Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden combined off the bench for England’s second goal; this time, Saka and Rashford set up Kane’s brace. Tuchel’s approach signals a shift from previous England management, emphasizing decisive tactical adjustments and using the bench to influence games.
England now head into the World Cup with a perfect qualifying record and a squad showing tactical flexibility and depth.
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