LONDON – Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England head coach began with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Albania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday.
While the German tactician had promised an exciting new chapter following Gareth Southgate’s tenure, his first match in charge lacked the flair and fluidity many had hoped for.
England’s breakthrough came in the 20th minute, courtesy of teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly, who marked his senior debut in stunning fashion.
The Arsenal full-back latched onto a precise pass from Jude Bellingham before slotting the ball past Albania’s goalkeeper to become England’s youngest-ever debut goalscorer at 18 years and 176 days. He surpassed Marcus Rashford’s previous record, set in 2016, by 33 days.
The Three Lions started the match with control but found it difficult to break down a disciplined and defensive Albanian side.
Tuchel, known for his tactical acumen, opted for a mix of experience and fresh faces, including handing a first England cap to Newcastle’s 32-year-old defender Dan Burn.
The towering centre-back nearly added his name to the scoresheet, heading against the bar in the first half after meeting a well-delivered corner. Despite England’s territorial dominance, Albania grew into the game in the second half.
Their best opportunity arrived when Jasir Asani raced toward goal, only to be denied by a well-timed intervention from Ezri Konsa. The Aston Villa defender showed excellent awareness to snuff out the danger and keep England in control.
Tuchel’s men responded swiftly, ensuring there would be no late drama. In the 77th minute, captain Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer, sealed the victory with his 70th international goal.
The Bayern Munich striker reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the six-yard box, finishing from close range to guarantee a winning start for the new manager.
Though the performance was far from spectacular, the result ensures England begin their World Cup qualifying campaign on a positive note. Tuchel will likely look for greater attacking cohesion in the upcoming fixtures as he implements his philosophy with the national team.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel acknowledged the need for improvement but praised his squad for getting the job done.
“We know we have a lot of work to do, but I’m pleased with the result,” Tuchel said. “Myles [Lewis-Skelly] showed great composure on his debut, and Harry [Kane] did what he does best. It’s a solid foundation to build upon.”
England will now turn their attention to their next qualifier, with fans hoping for a more convincing display as Tuchel looks to fine-tune his side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
