Albania vs England - World Cup qualifiers LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions seek to end campaign with 100 per cent record

6 days ago 48

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as England travel to Albania for their final World Cup qualifier game, with Ian Ladyman and Craig Hope reporting from Arena Kombetare.

Tuchel: 'We are putting the players first'

Thomas Tuchel, England manager, on ITV:

Main reason [we made seven changes] was we had huge physical output in the last match that we have to respect. Players came very loaded to the international break. So, players first.
We have some players really pushing, desperate for minutes. So we put in some fresh legs. For players like Adam Wharton and Jarell Quansah, it is a good moment. We feel stable enough in the middle of the pitch - lot of caps and experience. So let's go.

On Adam Wharton starting:

Hopefully, we will see his quality on the ball. We expect to dominate the game and see the ball a lot. He is very mobile and good in passing. He He is confident enough to play chipped passes and through balls - everything you need to break down a block. He is normally a confident guy and hopefully he can show it.

On Jude Bellingham :

He brings an awful lot of quality. His unique quality is to show up in number nine position for seemingly easy goals. He has the timing to arrive in the six-yard box to be dangerous. I think we will have a lot of possession and he will play between the lines. Hopefully he can open up spaces with his dribbling and offensive one-on-ones.

 Thomas Tuchel manager / head coach of England  during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Closing on kick-off

If only Bruce Buffer were here tonight.

It'ssssss *nearly* timeeeee.

Just doesn't hit the same when it's 'nearly' and in written text in comparison to the UFC stadium announcer.

Anyway, we are less than 10 minutes from kick-off and I am itching for this one to get going.

For one last time in 2025...

England's Harry Kane warms up ahead of the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.(AP Photo/Vlasov Sulaj)

 Players of England warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

'Big night for Wharton'

By Ian Ladyman At Arena Kombetare

Of all those to get a chance here tonight, it feels like a big night for Adam Wharton. Thomas Tuchel was not initially sure about the Crystal Palace midfielder but has come round to the popular view that he’s a player of real talent.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are England’s first choice midfield pair now but it’s a squad game and Wharton now has a clear signal that, should anything happen to either of them between now and next summer, he will be next cab off the rank.

 Adam Wharton of England warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Wharton's first START

How did I miss this?

I have only just figured out that tonight is Adam Wharton's first start in an England shirt.

For some reason, I just assumed he had started as a game for the Three Lions before, seeing as he's made a handful of appearances.

Well, he hasn't, and tonight is the perfect opportunity for him to lay a marker down to Thomas Tuchel and show why he should be starting more.

It's him vs Elliot Anderson for a spot in the World Cup midfield...

 Adam Wharton of England gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

THROWBACK: Tuchel's reign starts with a win

Let's throw it back to Thomas Tuchel's first game, shall we?

The first glimpse we got of Tuchel on the touchline leading the Three Lions was against tonight's opposition, Albania, back in March.

Now, I'm going to be real with you guys, all I remember from that night was that it was an incredibly boring game.

Many fans and journalists were left pretty underwhelmed. Well, I know I was.

But anyway, Tuchel started off with a win, and if you want to watch the highlights to see how the game went, be my guest.

Hopefully the game will be more entertaining tonight, mind.

Sylvinho: 'England's form is disgusting'

Sylvinho, Albania boss, on England's qualifying form:

The numbers are amazing. It's disgusting! What can I say. They are in a completely different level [to us]. Don't make any confusion about us.
Great coach, love him, the way that he plays and also he has some of the best players in the world.

 Eberechi Eze of England celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Phil Foden during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

'Could be a frustrating night for England'

Stephen Warnock, former England defender, on Radio 5 Live:

It is a brilliant test with what England will come up against in the World Cup. Albania are an organised team and a difficult team to break down. This could be a frustrating night for England.

 Harry Kane of England walks out to inspect the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

'More changes than expected'

By Ian Ladyman At Arena Kombetare

Seven changes for England is a couple more than I expected and I certainly didn’t think Thomas Tuchel would change his goalkeeper
The England coach really wants this eighth clean sheet and against a half decent side, he will now need a good show from what is largely a second string back four and a goalkeeper in Dean Henderson who is winning only his fourth cap.
This is a super modern stadium, by the way. Reminds me a little some of the better Scandinavian grounds. Tight with upright stands close to the pitch. Should be a good atmosphere.

 Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 14, 2025 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

In form Albania

This isn't going to be a walk in the park, guys.

Albania is in fine form coming into this match, having not lost since England beat them in March.

Any of you who watched that match will know that England weren't exactly great, either. It was a torturous watch.

Albania have since gone eight games unbeaten, winning their last five, and are in the play-offs for World Cup qualification.

Can they spoil England's perfect record?

Albania's Kristjan Asllani celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Andorra and Albania in Encamp, Andorra, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Albania Team News

Finally, Albania's team news is out...

(Actually, it's my fault I didn't see that they actually posted the graphic 20 minutes ago, oh well)

Armando Broja doesn't get the start many of us expected; he has to make do with the bench.

Golden Eagle

Guys, this may be the best costume I have ever seen.

Albania's national symbol is a golden eagle, and this fan has decided to come dressed as one.

I mean, how he has managed to get such a good costume, I do not know. Just look at that mask, it's brilliant. Must have cost a pretty penny, that's for sure.

If there were a competition for costumes tonight, this person would win by a landslide.

 A fan of Albania dressed in a golden eagle outfit shows their support in the stands prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

 Albania fans pose for a photo prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Tuchel: 'We need to deliver'

Thomas Tuchel, England manager, on the possibility of making history:

I didn't speak a single word about that. We made sure we had yesterday the training session that we had, the quality and mentality of the guys who didn't play was on the highest level which was pure pleasure to watch and be part of. It showed me again that we are building and growing in the right way. Everyone is ready to play, everyone is desperate to start. The competition is still on, the hunger is on to be on the pitch tomorrow. That is the most important.
Today we prepared for Albania and we prepared our offensive solutions, spoke about the defensive structure of Albania like always and had a tactical training session. Everything we talk about is about the process and about the things that we can influence.
We need to get the foundation right to have a chance to have these records. Just by thinking about it or by talking about it nothing will change, we need to deliver tomorrow again. The feeling and the trust is absolutely there because I witnessed this in camp. I trust my players to perform again tomorrow.

England's German head coach Thomas Tuchel speaks during a press conference on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K European qualification football match between Albania and England, at the Air Albania stadium in Tirana, on November 15, 2025. (Photo by Adnan Beci / AFP) (Photo by ADNAN BECI/AFP via Getty Images)

Lions chasing history

England are rock solid at the back. I mean, it ROCK solid.

With Jordan Pickford between the sticks and a consistently brilliant back four, England have kept nine clean sheets on the bounce in competitive matches.

I mean, that's crazy, right?

The names on the roster may have changed this evening, with Dean Henderson between the sticks and the likes of Jarell Quansah and Dan Burn starting, but England still have the chance to make history.

Only one European nation has ever won more consecutive competitive matches without conceding, with Spain winning 10 in a row between October 2014 and June 2016.

Tuchel’s side can match that run tonight.

 Dean Henderson of England warms up ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Joyful Jude

Someone is happy to be back starting for England.

Well, either that, or Jude Bellingham is just laughing at a cracker of a joke that Morgan Rogers has just told him. You never know, could be that.

Either way, Bellingham seems in a very good place right now, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he scoped out Arena Kombetare.

A happy Bellingham is a dangerous Bellingham.

 Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers of England talk as they inspect the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

 Jude Bellingham of England talks with teammates on the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

'Tuchel has managed bellingham well'

Alan Shearer, former England captain, speaking to Betfair:

I think the strategy of squad selection, including his management of Bellingham, has worked really well for Thomas Tuchel. The results that he's had, leaving players out, bringing players back in, I think that's really worked for him in terms of the situation that they're in.
I think he's in a really healthy position in terms of who he's got and what he's got available, and he's in a strong position because the decisions that he's made have all worked up to now. Obviously, that has to keep going, and England have to win the World Cup. I think he's in a really strong position.
I think Tuchel will want to do exactly the same as his side have been doing. He'll want them to show great energy, he'll want them to have a purpose, and he'll want them to win games and score goals. I think it's very much a continuation of what he's seen from previous games, that's what he'll want.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/Shutterstock (15759347dh) England Head Coach Thomas Tuchel sends on Jude Bellingham England v Serbia, FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifying, Group K, Football, Wembley Stadium, London, UK - 13 Nov 2025

Bellingham's back

Guess who's back, back again... Jude is back, tell your friends.

Bellingham must be absolutely buzzing; his comeback with England is complete as Thomas Tuchel names him in the starting line-up.

I mean, after his bright cameo against Serbia, the German simply had to start him this evening, didn't he?

I mean, let's not kid ourselves here, Bellingham should be in the starting line-up come June next year when the World Cup rolls around.

He is one of the county's most talented players, and he showed that again against Serbia. In a game that needed energy, he provided it.

Can he provide that energy again in Tirana?

 Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to FA restrictions. Editorial use only. Commercial use only with prior written consent of the FA. No editing except cropping.

England Team News - Quansah makes DEBUT

It's a big day for a certain Jarell Quansah...

The Bayer Leverkusen defender is set for his first England cap as he is one of seven changes from the team that beat Serbia.

Jude Bellingham is also one of the seven who come in after his cameo on Thursday, but Phil Foden remains on the bench.

Dean Henderson comes in for Jordan Pickford.

Tuchel to make changes

OK, guys, I have had a sneak peek at the England team.

I expected Thomas Tuchel to go fairly strong tonight in order to finish the group in style, but well, he has stunned me.

The German has made a whole host of changes.

Only four starters from the win over Serbia keep their place in Tirana this evening.

Who are those four? You'll just have to wait and see...

 Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, looks on during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 15, 2025 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Throwback to Thursday...

Right, before we get tucked into the build-up, I reckon we should have a quick rewind to Thursday night.

Another match, another England win.

Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions really are on an absolute tear at the moment, and having already qualified for the World Cup, they managed to keep their momentum going in midweek.

It wasn't the most exciting of games, sure, but goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze got the job done against a stubborn Serbia.

Now they are just one game from perfection.

 Bukayo Saka of England celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

 Eberechi Eze of England celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 2-0 with team-mates Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Adam Wharton and Phil Foden during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Can England stay perfect?

Seven games. Seven wins. No goals conceded.

England are on the cusp of completing the full World Cup qualification campaign without dropping a single point, or even conceding a single goal. Quite remarkable, really.

Tonight, they will be looking to sign off from Group K in style as they take on Albania.

Thomas Tuchel fielded an incredibly strong side against Serbia on Sunday, and I'm sure he won't be planning on taking his foot off the gas this evening, so I expect he will do the same again.

This is the last time we will see England in action for four months (cue mass cheers), so let's just enjoy the Three Lions one last time before we bed in for a crazy winter ahead.

Let's get cracking.

 General view inside the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Key Updates

  • England Team News - Quansah makes DEBUT

  • Can England stay perfect?

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