Thomas Tuchel got off to the perfect start as England manager as goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane sealed a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley on Friday night.
England started on the front foot in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier and their pressure paid off in the 20th minute as a brilliant through ball from Jude Bellingham slipped in Lewis-Skelly, who put his low finish in between the legs of Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
Lewis-Skelly, who was one of game’s standout players, has now overtaken Marcus Rashford to become the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut at the age of 18 years and 176 days.
The Three Lions could have been further in front before half time with Bellingham and Kane both going close, while debutant Dan Burn hit the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Albania threatened midway through the second half with Armando Broja getting the better of Burn on two occasions and one chance from the visitors required an excellent recovery challenge from Ezri Konsa.
But England sealed the win with 13 minutes remaining as Declan Rice’s cross found Kane inside the Albania penalty area. The Three Lions captain brought the ball down with one touch before curling his effort into the net.
England will now play Latvia, who beat Andorra 1-0 in the other game in Group K on Friday, in their next 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Monday.
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