England vs Albania: Myles Lewis-Skelly Shines as England Wins 2-0 in UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
The England national football team kicked off their UEFA World Cup Qualifiers—Europe campaign in style with a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley Stadium. The match, held on March 21, 2025, marked a new era under Thomas Tuchel, and it was a night to remember for Myles Lewis-Skelly, who stole the spotlight with a record-breaking debut goal.
Alongside the young sensation, Harry Kane continued his impressive international form, adding another goal to his name and helping England secure three crucial points in their World Cup qualifier Europe campaign.
Let’s take a closer look at the match highlights, England vs. Albania national football team lineups, and key moments from this exciting fixture.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Dream Debut—A Star is Born
Heading into the game, all eyes were on England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, and his squad selection. But by the end of the night, it was Myles Lewis-Skelly who stole the headlines.
The 18-year-old, making his England national football team debut, became the youngest goal-scoring debutant in the country’s history. In the 20th minute, he latched onto a pass from Jude Bellingham, showed incredible composure, and slotted the ball past the Albanian goalkeeper to give England a 1-0 lead.
At just 18 years and 176 days old, Lewis-Skelly broke Marcus Rashford’s record for the youngest English player to score on debut. His performance was met with widespread praise, with fans and pundits alike predicting a bright future for the Arsenal academy graduate.
Harry Kane’s 70th International Goal: A Captain’s Performance
As always, England captain Harry Kane was at the heart of the action. The experienced striker netted his 70th international goal in the 77th minute, sealing a comfortable win for the Three Lions.
Kane’s goal came from a brilliant assist by Ezri Konsa, who played an exceptional game in defense and attack. The England skipper continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest strikers in international football, and his leadership remains crucial for the team’s success in the World Cup qualifier Europe campaign.
England vs Albania National Football Team Lineups
England Starting XI (4-3-3):
-
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
-
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Ben Chilwell
-
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly
-
Forwards: Phil Foden, Harry Kane (C), Marcus Rashford
Albania Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
-
Goalkeeper: Thomas Strakosha
-
Defenders: Elseid Hysaj, Marash Kumbulla, Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj
-
Midfielders: Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami
-
Forwards: Sokol Cikalleshi, Armando Broja, Jasir Asani
Thomas Tuchel’s Tactical Approach: What Worked for England?
In his first game in charge, Thomas Tuchel implemented a tactical setup that focused on high pressing, quick passing, and controlling possession.
-
Midfield Domination: The trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Myles Lewis-Skelly kept Albania on the back foot, dictating the tempo throughout the game.
-
Solid Defense: Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn formed a strong partnership at the back, preventing Albania from creating clear-cut chances.
-
Attacking Fluidity: While Harry Kane found the net, both Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford struggled to make a significant impact in the final third, something Tuchel might address in future games.
Overall, England’s performance showed promise, but there’s still room for improvement before tougher tests in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
England’s Road Ahead: What’s Next?
With England securing three points against Albania, their focus now shifts to their next World Cup qualifier Europe match against Latvia.
Tuchel is expected to fine-tune his squad, and fans will be keen to see whether Myles Lewis-Skelly retains his place in the starting XI. Meanwhile, players like Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford will look to bounce back after an underwhelming performance.
As the qualification campaign progresses, the England football team will aim to maintain their momentum and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Start for England
The England national football team delivered a confident display in their 2-0 win against Albania, marking a successful start to the UEFA World Cup qualifiers Europe.
With a historic debut goal from Myles Lewis-Skelly, another milestone for Harry Kane, and a solid tactical setup by Thomas Tuchel, this match sets the tone for England’s journey ahead.
Fans can expect an exciting campaign as the England football squad continues to evolve, with a perfect blend of experienced stars and emerging talents.
Stay tuned for more updates on England football as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification!