ENGLAND kick-start their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign under new manager Thomas Tuchel against Albania at Wembley on Friday.
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England vs Albania preview
European qualification for the 2026 World Cup begins this week with England kick-starting their campaign against Albania at Wembley Stadium.
It’s England’s first match under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, and he’s expected to open his account with maximum points against FIFA’s 65th-ranked side.
The German tactician, 51, could certainly do with an early morale-boost following a lukewarm reaction to his first squad announcement.
Tuchel recalled former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is 35 in June, while 34-year-old Kyle Walker also received the nod ahead of youthful talents Adam Wharton, Liam Delap and Jarrad Branthwaite.
The squad suggests that Tuchel’s 18-month tenure will be focussed on winning the 2026 World Cup, as opposed to patiently nurturing a new generation.
But that starts with qualification for the 23rd edition of the tournament, which is the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Three Lions haven’t missed a World Cup since 1994, which was held in the USA – and you wouldn’t think a repeat would be on the cards with Albania, Andorra, Latvia and Serbia in their qualification group.
In the rankings, England are 61 places above Albania, who have never won a competitive match against a nation ranked inside FIFA’s top ten (D2, L17).
They’ve lost all six meetings against the Three Lions by an aggregate score of 19-1, with the most recent a 5-0 drubbing in 2021 during World Cup qualification.
England vs Albania preview betting odds
- England 1/7 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 11/2 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
- Albania 19/1 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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England vs Albania preview betting tips and predictions
Wizardry
England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane could fill his boots against Albania on Friday.
The Bayern Munich forward, 31, has netted 32 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 appearances for the Bundesliga giants this season – including three in his last four outings.
He also boasts a very impressive record in this fixture having scored four in two previous meetings against Albania, who’ve conceded 2.5 goals per 90 in their last 10 encounters with teams ranked in FIFA’s top 20.
Kane boasts his best ever minutes-per-goal ratio under Thomas Tuchel during their time together at Bayern — bagging an astonishing 44 goals in 45 games.
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First goalscorer and correct score predictions
England vs Albania
- First goalscorer: Harry Kane at 13/5 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE
- Correct score: 3-0 at 5/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
Why not?!
Why wouldn’t Dan Burn get on the scoresheet after the week he’s had!?
The 6ft 7in defender received his first call-up to the England squad and helped Newcastle end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy at Wembley with the opening goal against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
His confidence is sky high and should be given licence to attack corners and set-pieces at every opportunity.
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- Dan Burn to have at least 1 shot on target at 11/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
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