Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England manager begins on Friday night because the Three Lions host Albania at Wembley of their first 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate as England head coach last October and his mission is evident – guide the Three Lions to victory on the World Cup next yr.
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 spot within 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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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
Where England went unsuitable?
Thomas Tuchel has been clear on what he thinks England lacked at Euro 2024 last summer.
Asked what was missing under Gareth Southgate, Tuchel told ITV: ‘The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.
‘The liberty of players, the expression of players, the hunger.
‘They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, for my part, than having the thrill and hunger to win.’
Burn starts
Not a nasty few days for Dan Burn – scored Newcastle United’s opening goal of their Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool last Sunday and now he starts in defence for England’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Two England debutants
Arsenal’s 18-year-old left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United defender Dan Burn have each been handed their England debuts tonight.
Rashford returns
Marcus Rashford makes an instantaneous return as he is called in Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI.
The Aston Villa forward, on loan from Manchester United, didn’t make Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 last summer but he has an enormous 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.
Welcome!
Good evening and welcome to Metro’s coverage of England’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Thomas Tuchel can be aiming for nothing lower than win in his first game in charge at Wembley.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm – stick with us as team news will drop shortly.
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