Following their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, England now turns the page and kicks off its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with sights already set on the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Since lifting the World Cup trophy in 1966, the “Three Lions” have yet to win another major international title. And now, with a new head coach at the helm, they’re hoping to finally end that decades-long drought.
Despite leading England to two major finals, Gareth Southgate has stepped down following the team’s latest disappointment. Taking his place is Thomas Tuchel, the German tactician who famously won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea. However, this will be his first stint in charge of a national team, and his immediate mission is clear: ensure England qualifies for the World Cup—a tournament they haven’t missed since 1994.
Tuchel’s first challenge? Albania, a nation that continues to show growth on the international stage and one that recently featured in the Euro 2024 finals—their second-ever appearance at a major tournament.
Although Albania was eliminated in the group stage in Germany, their qualification itself marked a significant milestone. Now, the team heads to Wembley Stadium, determined to make a bold statement against a footballing powerhouse.
However, the odds are stacked against them.
Head-to-Head & Ranking:
- FIFA Rankings: England (4th), Albania (65th) – a gap of 61 places
- H2H Record: England has won all 6 previous meetings, conceding only once.
Current Form:
- Albania’s last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses
- England’s unbeaten home run continues to be one of the strongest in Europe.
Players to Watch:
- Jude Bellingham has been in superb form for the Three Lions, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists in his last 15 appearances. He registered two assists in his last outing at Wembley against Ireland.
- Rey Manaj will be crucial for Albania. The striker has scored 7 international goals, with Albania remaining unbeaten in all of those matches (6 wins, 1 draw)—making him a key figure if Albania hopes to pull off an upset.
Historical Struggles for Albania:
- Albania has never beaten a FIFA top-10 ranked team in competitive matches:
- 0 wins, 2 draws, 17 losses
Despite the challenging stats, Albania arrives with determination and the ambition to make history at Wembley. Whether they can break the curse and stun the footballing world remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Friday’s showdown promises drama, passion, and plenty at stake.
