Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Getting a new era underway at Wembley on Friday night, England will welcome Albania to north London as they kick-off their World Cup qualifying campaign.
England
Starting with the hosts, with Thomas Tuchel’s tenure at Wembley set to get underway on Friday night, the Three Lions have plenty of expectations on their shoulders. Breezing their way to an immediate Nations League League A return last year, the former Chelsea boss has made his ambitions abundantly clear since his appointment was confirmed back in October. Despite suffering major EURO 24 heartbreak over in Germany last summer as they missed out on the chance to claim a first piece of international silverware since 1996, England haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Signing off their Nations League group stage campaign with a routine 5-0 romp against Ireland, the Three Lions registered 15 points from their six League B showdowns and they rightfully open their World Cup qualifying adventure pencilled in as a landslide favourite in Group K.
England Team News
Enjoying what has been a new lease of life after completing a January loan switch to Aston Villa, Marcus Rashford has been handed a recall. In what was a shock inclusion last week, Ajax midfielder has been included in Tuchel’s maiden squad and could make a first international appearance since November 2023.
However, both Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton have been overlooked. Enjoying another record-breaking campaign with German giants Bayern Munich this season, Harry Kane will lead out England on Friday night.
Albania
As for the visitors, enduring what was a major Nations League frustration last year as they lost their League B status, Albania find themselves at the heart of what has been a real rut. While Sylvinho’s squad might have made real history last summer as they secured a famous EURO 24 ticket, the Red and Blacks have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Only putting a single point on the board from any of their three European Championship showdowns last year, Albania have won just a pair of their previous 11 competitive appearances across all competitions. Signing off their nightmare Nations League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Ukraine on November 19th, Friday’s guests couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge when they travel to Wembley this weekend.
Albania Team News
While Armada Broja might have suffered an injury crisis since completing a season-long loan switch from Chelsea last summer, the Everton striker has been included in Albania’s squad. Likewise, playing a leading role in Atalanta’s squad for a maiden Serie A crown, veteran defender Berat Djimsiti has been handed a recall.
Despite struggling to cement his spot as AEK’s number one choice after completing a permanent move from Brentford last year, Thomas Strakosha will start between the sticks. In what was a shock exclusion, Inter Milan starlet Kristjan Asllani has not been included in Sylvinho’s squad.
England vs Albania Key Factors to Consider
- When England and Albania last met back in November 2021, the Three Lions stormed their way to a routine 5-0 romp at Wembley.
- In fact, England have won all of their six historic showdowns against Albania by an aggregate score of 19-1.
- Despite their EURO 24 heartbreak last summer, Tuchel’s new squad have lost just a pair of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions.
- Albania have mustered just a pair of victories from any of their last 11 competitive appearances across all competitions.
- Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane has registered 35 goals for club and country this year.
Conclusion
Getting a new era underway at Wembley on Friday night, England will be looking to get Tuchel’s tenure off with a statement of intent. Landing a routine 5-0 romp when they welcomed Albania to north London for a World Cup qualifying showdown back in November 2021, the Three Lions are rightfully installed as a landslide contender this weekend. Winning all of their six historic battles against Friday’s guests by an aggregate score of 19-1, England will be smelling a golden chance to kick-off Tuchel’s reign with a dominant display on home soil.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
