Myles Lewis-Skelly scored as England under Thomas Tuchel claimed a 2-0 victory against Albania, MySportDab reports.
In Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural match as England manager, the national team secured a victory over Albania i,n their World Cup qualifying opener at Wembley Stadium.
This win marked a promising start to England’s campaign under new leadership as they look to secure World Cup qualification.
Full Match Report
The match began with England asserting dominance, maintaining significant possession and pressuring the Albanian defense.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when 18-year-old debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly scored, becoming the youngest player to net on his England debut.
Assisted by Jude Bellingham, Lewis-Skelly displayed composure beyond his years, slotting the ball past the Albanian goalkeeper.
Throughout the first half, England’s midfield, orchestrated by Bellingham and Curtis Jones, controlled the tempo, creating multiple chances.
Despite their dominance, the Three Lions couldn’t extend their lead before halftime, with Albanian goalkeeper Etrit Berisha making several crucial saves.
After the break, England continued to press. However, Albania’s defense remained resilient, and England struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford, operating on the flanks, found it challenging to penetrate the compact Albanian defense.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when captain Harry Kane scored his 70th international goal.
Declan Rice intercepted an Albanian pass and quickly fed Kane, who finished clinically to double England’s lead.
Defensively, England remained solid. Debutant Dan Burn partnered with Ezri Konsa in central defense, effectively neutralizing Albania’s attacking threats.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had a relatively quiet evening, thanks to the defensive unit’s organization.
Despite the victory, Tuchel acknowledged areas for improvement. He noted the team’s occasional reliance on lateral passes and emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach in the final third.
Tuchel also highlighted the importance of better utilizing creative talents like Foden and Rashford. Looking ahead, England will face Latvia in their next qualifier.
Tuchel is expected to rotate the squad to manage player workload and maintain competitiveness ahead of their next game.
The positive start against Albania sets a solid foundation for England’s journey toward World Cup qualification.
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