England Triumphs Over Albania: Debutant Lewis-Skelly Shines in Tuchel's First Match

Abhinand PS
Mar 22
3 min read

In a significant World Cup 2026 qualifier on March 21, 2025, England secured a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley Stadium. This match marked the debut of Thomas Tuchel as England's manager, introducing fresh talent and strategies to the national team.talkSPORT The US Sun+1talkSPORT+1

England's Myles Lewis-Skelly, wearing the number 3 jersey, celebrates after scoring a goal on his debut against Albania at Wembley Stadium, with cheering fans in the background.

Match Highlights

Myles Lewis-Skelly's Historic Debut: At 18 years and 167 days old, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly became England's youngest debutant to score, netting the opening goal with composure beyond his years. Latest news & breaking headlines+1talkSPORT+1
Harry Kane's Milestone: Captain Harry Kane added to his impressive international tally, scoring his 70th goal for England with a characteristic finish. The US Sun+1talkSPORT+1

Starting XI and Tactical Approach

Tuchel's inaugural lineup showcased a blend of experience and youth:talkSPORT+4The Sun+4Sky Sports+4

Goalkeeper: Jordan PickfordSky Sports+2The Guardian+2The US Sun+2
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Myles Lewis-SkellyLatest news & breaking headlines+5Sky Sports+5The Sun+5
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Curtis JonesThe US Sun+3The Sun+3Sky Sports+3
Forwards: Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Marcus RashfordLatest news & breaking headlines+3The Sun+3Sky Sports+3

Notably, Newcastle's Dan Burn earned his first cap at 32, becoming England's oldest debutant since 2010. Marcus Rashford returned to the national team after a year, starting on the left wing. The Guardian+5Sky Sports+5The Sun+5 The Sun+1Sky Sports+1

Player Performances

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Demonstrated defensive solidity and attacking flair, earning an 8/10 rating. The Guardian+1talkSPORT+1
Harry Kane: Led by example, with his goal reflecting his consistent form, also rated 8/10.
Marcus Rashford: Showed glimpses of his potential but struggled to make a significant impact, receiving a 6/10. The Guardian
Phil Foden: Faced challenges in influencing the game, mirroring issues from previous managerial tenures, rated 6/10.

Tuchel's Tactical Observations

Despite the win, Tuchel acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in maximizing the effectiveness of wingers like Foden and Rashford. He emphasized the need for better ball movement and more aggressive offensive runs to break down defensive setups like Albania's. Sky Sports+3Latest news & breaking headlines+3The US Sun+3

Statistical Overview

Statistic	England	Albania
Possession (%)	65	35
Shots (on target)	15 (7)	5 (2)
Corners	8	2
Fouls committed	10	14

Conclusion

England's victory under Tuchel's leadership offers a promising glimpse into the team's potential evolution. The integration of young talents like Lewis-Skelly, combined with the experience of stalwarts such as Kane, sets a positive trajectory for the upcoming World Cup campaign.Latest news & breaking headlines

FAQs

When is England's next World Cup qualifier?
England is scheduled to face Poland on March 28, 2025.
How can fans watch England's matches?
Matches are broadcast on major sports networks like Sky Sports and ITV in the UK. International viewers should check local listings.
What changes did Tuchel implement in his first match?
Tuchel introduced a mix of youth and experience, notably debuting Lewis-Skelly and Burn, and reinstating Rashford to the starting lineup.The Guardian+5The US Sun+5Sky Sports+5