A convincing victory over Albania: Tuchel makes a successful England debut

England celebrated a convincing victory against Albania. IMAGO/Pro Sports Images

Thomas Tuchel, in his first appearance as England coach, entrusted two debutants: Newcastle center-back Burn and Arsenal youngster Lewis-Skelly made their first international appearances. Up front, the German coach also relied on Rashford, who returned to the Three Lions after almost a year away.

The opening minutes presented the expected picture: England started dominant, while Albania sat deep and compressed the midfield. As a result, the home side struggled to create chances for a long time. Kane made an initial approach, but Balliu denied him at the last moment (18').

With their first well-executed attack and a fine solo effort from Bellingham, the Three Lions finally took the lead shortly afterward: The Real Madrid player cleverly turned around Bajrami and played a long pass to Lewis-Skelly. The debutant, free in front of Strakosha, quickly slotted home to make it 1-0 (20'), thwarting the visitors' plan to keep a clean sheet for a long time.

Subsequently, Albania became a little more courageous with the ball - and almost equalized: England's central defender Burn unfortunately deflected a cross, but his arcing shot landed on the crossbar and not in the goal of keeper Pickford (28').

England subsequently regained control and could have extended their lead even further before halftime. But Bellingham was denied by Strakosha from a few meters and a tight angle (35'), before the Madrid international and Kane again missed the chance to make it 2-0 (41'). Burn was also unlucky with two headers that didn't find their way over the line (43').

England continued to dominate the game after the break, with Albania struggling to break free of their own half. However, it took some time for the first clear opportunity, which finally fell to Kane. The striker's header, however, went just wide (60'). The hosts then became more determined and sought to build a more comfortable lead, but Foden couldn't control the ball and consequently couldn't get a shot on goal (62').

At the other end, Broja managed one of the few pinpricks, but failed to score (67'). So it was Kane who finally scored the redeeming second goal – and thus sealed the victory. After a fine control of the ball, the Munich player kept his cool and fired into the far corner (77').

After this goal, the game petered out towards its end and so Tuchel was able to celebrate a successful debut and his first three points as England coach after the final whistle, never being in danger against the harmless visitors.