England vs Albania LIVE: Harry Kane scores seventieth England purpose to wrap up Thomas Tuchel’s first recreation in cost
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his debut and Harry Kane grabbed his 70th international goal as Thomas Tuchel made a winning start to life as England head coach with a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley.
Lewis-Skelly, one of two England debutants along with Dan Burn on Tuchel’s first game in charge, scored the first goal of the German’s new era as the 18-year-old converted Jude Bellingham’s through ball in a fairytale moment.
Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final hero Burn was not too far away from joining the Arsenal teenager on the scoresheet but his the bar from Declan Rice’s corner as England went in the break ahead.
The second half of England’s opening World Cup qualifying fixture was not overly convincing, with Albania carrying some threat, but captain Kane made sure of the three points as he steered in a composed finish in the 77th minute.
There is work for Tuchel to do but England made a winning start on their road to the 2026 World Cup and they will return to Wembley on Monday for another qualifier against Latvia. Follow all the reaction from Tuchel’s first game in charge at Wembley below
Thomas Tuchel wanted ‘more impact’ from Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said he wanted “more impact” from his wide players and said Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden were not “decisive” as they could be in his first game in charge against Albania.
Tuchel explained that he wanted more “dribbling” and “aggressive runs” and said elements of Rashford and Foden’s performances were “missing” in the 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.
Overall, Tuchel said England “can do better” and “have to better” in future matches after goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane gave England a winning start in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Thomas Tuchel on England win: ‘We have to do better’
Thomas Tuchel’s first thoughts after his first game in charge of England, speaking to ITV.
“We can do better, we have to do better. We started well, we had seven-eight minutes with 100 per cent ball possession with a lot of passes and high energy.
” But the opponent is hard to break down as they defend in a deep block In the Euros they managed to not concede chances.
“Second half, I felt we were too slow and in general not enough runs off the ball to get behind the line.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly ‘lost for words’ on England debut
“I am so grateful for the manager to put trust in me. I am so happy. My team-mates put so much trust in me. I’m lost for words,” the 18-year-old says to ITV.
“The fans made me feel at home so thank you to them. It’s incredible [to be behind Owen and Rooney as youngest England scorer], I don’t know what to say.”
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham plan reveals England direction under Thomas Tuchel
A first game that was encouraging rather than electrifying, with most of the new excitement offered by Myles Lewis-Skelly rather than any sense of a new era. Thomas Tuchel’s week culminated in the teenager’s night, as he became England football team’s youngest ever debutant goalscorer in this professional 2-0 win over Albania.
‘Fearless’ Lewis-Skelly praised after England debut
Only one way for the reaction to start,it’s England debutant, and goal-scorer, Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Declan Rice has had this to say about his performance:
“He is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.
“I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.
“He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him.”
FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania
You’ve got to start somewhere. But Thomas Tuchel wins his first game in charge of England. Will be interesting to hear what he made of England’s performance.
FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania
The Thomas Tuchel era is underway with a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley! Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane on the scoresheet.
England 2-0 Albania
90+4 mins: Pickford comes out of his box to make a clearance. He hasn’t had anything to do in the second half, really.
