Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England manager begins on Friday night as the Three Lions host Albania at Wembley in their first 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate as England head coach last October and his mission is clear – guide the Three Lions to victory at the World Cup next year.
But first, England must navigate their way out of Group K which also includes Serbia, Latvia and Andorra.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm and team news has dropped with Marcus Rashford earning his first start having missed out on a place in the squad at Euro 2024 last summer.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly have been handed their England debuts.
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Two England debutants
Arsenal’s 18-year-old left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United defender Dan Burn have both been handed their England debuts tonight.
Rashford returns
Marcus Rashford makes an immediate return as he is named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI.
The Aston Villa forward, on loan from Manchester United, failed to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 last summer but he has a huge opportunity to make an impact tonight.
Albania starting XI…
Strakosha, Balliu, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Aliji, Asllani, Ramadani, Asani, Bajrami, Laci, Uzuni.
Subs: Kastrati, Sherri, Shehu, Manaj, Mihaj, Kumbulla, M Berisha, Muci, Ismajli, Pajaziti, Hoxka, Broja.
England starting XI confirmed
Thomas Tuchel’s first England line-up has been confirmed:
Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Burn, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Bellingham, Jones; Foden, Rashford, Kane (c)
Subs: Trafford, James, Guehi, Henderson, Colwill, Eze, Rogers, Gordon, Solanke, Bowen, Livramento
Welcome!
Good evening and welcome to Metro’s coverage of England’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Thomas Tuchel will be aiming for nothing less than win in his first game in charge at Wembley.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm – stay with us as team news will drop shortly.
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