
- Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
- Fixture: England vs Albania (World Cup Qualification – UEFA 2025/2026)
Match Preview
England will host Albania at Wembley Stadium as they kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifying campaign under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. This match marks a significant moment for Tuchel, who will be leading the Three Lions in a competitive fixture for the first time. England has a flawless record against Albania, having won all six of their previous encounters, including a 5-0 victory in their last meeting at Wembley in November 2021.
The Three Lions have shown impressive form in recent UEFA Nations League matches, with victories over Republic of Ireland and Greece highlighting their attacking prowess. Tuchel will likely emphasize a possession-based game, utilizing the creative talents of players such as Jude Bellingham to break down Albania’s defense. England’s squad depth and home advantage make them strong favorites to secure a convincing win.
Albania, nicknamed “The Red and Blacks,” will face a daunting task against England’s star-studded lineup. Their coach, Sylvinho, will likely employ a defensive strategy, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting any mistakes made by England’s defense. Armando Broja, Albania’s key striker, will be crucial in capitalizing on any scoring opportunities that arise.
The head-to-head record between the two teams is heavily skewed in England’s favor, with the Three Lions having won all six previous meetings. Their most recent encounter saw Harry Kane score a hat-trick in a 5-0 win at Wembley. This historical dominance suggests that Albania will need to produce a near-perfect performance to achieve a positive result.
England’s midfield control, led by Declan Rice, will be pivotal in dictating the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, Albania’s defense, marshaled by captain Etrit Berisha, will need to be resolute to withstand England’s attacking pressure. The visitors might look to target England’s full-backs with swift counter-attacks, hoping to catch them off guard.
Key Players
England
- Harry Kane: The captain and talisman of the team, Kane is expected to lead the line and pose a constant threat to Albania’s defense.
- Declan Rice: A midfield general who ensures balance between attack and defense, Rice’s ability to dictate play will be crucial.
Albania
- Armando Broja: The Chelsea striker is Albania’s main attacking outlet and will need to capitalize on any chances that come his way.
- Etrit Berisha: The experienced goalkeeper will play a pivotal role in keeping Albania competitive against England’s relentless attack.
Prediction
Given England’s quality and home advantage, they are likely to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. While Albania may offer resistance early on, England’s attacking firepower should prove too much for them.
Predicted Score: England 3-0 Albania
Betting Markets
Market | Odds | Bet Now |
---|---|---|
England to Win | 1/10 | Bet Now |
Draw | 8/1 | Bet Now |
Albania to Win | 20/1 | Bet Now |
Over 2.5 Goals | 4/9 | Bet Now |
Harry Kane to Score Anytime | 4/7 | Bet Now |
Bukayo Saka First Goal Scorer | 9/2 | Bet Now |
England enters this fixture as overwhelming favorites, offering limited value for outright bets but intriguing options for goal markets or individual player performances.