England kicks off their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign against Albania, with new manager Thomas Tuchel aiming to steer the Three Lions to their first major trophy since 1966. Following a heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2024 final to Spain, expectations are high as they face a rising Albanian side at Wembley Stadium.
The match is scheduled for Friday, 21 March 2025, at 19:45 GMT+0, hosted at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, with a capacity of 90,000. This is the opening fixture of Group K in the World Championship Qualification, where only the group winner secures automatic qualification for the finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. No referee details are confirmed yet, but the tournament’s early stage adds pressure on both teams to set the tone.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
For those looking to dive into England vs Albania betting tips, this section lays the groundwork for what’s ahead. We’ll break down the latest performances and historical clashes to sharpen your perspective. The England vs Albania prediction today hinges on current form, key players, and tactical setups. Expect a detailed look at how both sides have fared recently and what their head-to-head record reveals. Stay tuned for actionable insights based on hard data.
England Results
England enters this qualifier with confidence after a strong finish in the UEFA Nations League, securing promotion back to the top tier. Thomas Tuchel’s arrival signals a tactical shift, and their unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers over 31 matches underscores their dominance. Wembley remains a fortress, and their opener against Albania is a chance to assert early control in Group K.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 17/11/24 | UNL | England vs Ireland | 5-0 | W |
| 14/11/24 | UNL | Greece vs England | 0-3 | W |
| 13/10/24 | UNL | Finland vs England | 1-3 | W |
| 10/10/24 | UNL | England vs Greece | 1-2 | L |
| 10/09/24 | UNL | England vs Finland | 2-0 | W |
England’s recent form shows four wins in their last five, with the lone loss to Greece a rare stumble at home. Their attack has been prolific, netting 14 goals across these games, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Defensively, they’ve conceded just three times, highlighting a balanced squad. The 5-0 thrashing of Ireland at Wembley suggests they’re peaking at the right time. Albania faces a steep challenge against this momentum.
Albania Results
Albania arrives at Wembley after a disappointing Nations League campaign, relegated to League C following a loss to Ukraine. Despite qualifying for two of the last three Euros, their World Cup record remains blank, making this a long-shot bid for a historic debut. Manager Sylvinho will lean on key forwards like Rey Manaj to spark an upset.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 19/11/24 | UNL | Albania vs Ukraine | 1-2 | L |
| 16/11/24 | UNL | Albania vs Czech Rep | 0-0 | D |
| 14/10/24 | UNL | Georgia vs Albania | 0-1 | W |
| 11/10/24 | UNL | Czech Rep vs Albania | 2-0 | L |
| 10/09/24 | UNL | Albania vs Georgia | 0-1 | L |
Albania’s form is shaky, with only one win in their last five outings. Their sole victory came against Georgia, but losses to stronger sides like the Czech Republic and Ukraine expose vulnerabilities. Scoring just two goals in these matches points to an anemic attack. The goalless draw against the Czechs shows some defensive grit, but it’s unlikely to hold against England’s firepower. An upset would require a drastic turnaround.
England vs Albania Head-to-Head (England Won All 5 Previous Meetings)
England and Albania have clashed six times historically, with the Three Lions holding a perfect record. These encounters, all in World Cup qualifiers, have been one-sided, often featuring heavy scoring from England. Albania’s lone goal across these games underscores the gulf in class.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 12/11/21 | WC | England vs Albania | 5-0 |
| 28/03/21 | WC | Albania vs England | 0-2 |
| 05/09/01 | WC | England vs Albania | 2-0 |
| 28/03/01 | WC | Albania vs England | 1-3 |
| 26/04/89 | WC | England vs Albania | 5-0 |
England’s dominance is glaring 18 goals scored to Albania’s one. The 5-0 rout in 2021, fueled by Harry Kane’s hat-trick, mirrors their typical control. Albania has never come close to a result, making their Wembley trip a daunting prospect.
England Predicted Starting Lineup
England is expected to field a strong, attack-minded XI under Tuchel, blending experience with emerging talent to dominate at Wembley:
- Pickford (GK), Walker (DF), Guehi (DF), Colwill (DF), Lewis-Skelly (DF), Henderson (MF), Rice (MF), Foden (MF), Bellingham (MF), Rashford (FW), Kane (FW).
Albania Predicted Starting Lineup
Albania, aiming to spoil England’s party, will likely rely on a compact setup with key Serie A-based players leading the charge:
- Strakosha (GK), Balliu (DF), Ismajli (DF), Djimsiti (DF), Aliji (DF), Asllani (MF), Ramadani (MF), Asani (MF), Bajrami (MF), Muci (FW), Manaj (FW).
Injured and Questionable Players
Injuries and fitness concerns can shift the dynamics of any match, and for England vs Albania, several absences are worth noting. This section outlines players sidelined or doubtful for the 21 March 2025 clash, based on the latest team updates. The table below details the team, player, and reason for their unavailability.
| Team | Player | Injury/Condition |
| England | Cole Palmer | Undergoing injury assessment |
| Albania | Elseid Hysaj | Sidelined by injury |
| Albania | Mario Mitaj | Recovering from groin surgery |
England loses Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, replaced by Morgan Gibbs-White, while Albania regains strikers Armando Broja and Rey Manaj, though Hysaj and Mitaj remain out. These absences could force tactical adjustments, particularly for Albania’s defensive structure.
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams bring distinct narratives into this qualifier, and several elements could sway the outcome. England’s pedigree contrasts with Albania’s underdog spirit, but specifics will decide the day. Here’s what matters most:
- England’s Form: Four wins in five, with 14 goals, signal a team firing on all cylinders;
- Albania’s Struggles: One win in five and a measly two goals highlight their attacking woes;
- Injuries: England’s Cole Palmer is out, replaced by Morgan Gibbs-White; Albania regains strikers Broja and Manaj;
- Key Players: Bellingham (10 goal involvements in 15 caps) and Kane (17 qualifier goals) for England; Manaj (7 goals) for Albania;
- Home Advantage: England’s 23 wins in 31 unbeaten qualifiers at Wembley loom large;
- Albania’s Defense: Conceding in four of five recent games suggests cracks England can exploit;
- Motivation: England eyes Group K control; Albania seeks a miracle for their World Cup dream;
- Historical Edge: Six straight losses for Albania against England weigh heavily.
Free Tips on England vs Albania
Breaking down the England vs Albania matchup requires a sharp look at the numbers and trends that define their past encounters and current trajectories. This section offers free, data-driven tips to guide your betting decisions for the 21 March 2025 qualifier at Wembley. By focusing on historical stats and team dynamics, these pointers aim to spotlight where the edge lies in this Group K opener.
- Head-to-Head Dominance: England has won all six previous meetings with Albania, scoring 18 goals to their one, including a 5-0 thrashing in 2021 expect this trend to heavily favor the hosts again.
- Home vs. Away Contrast: England’s 23 wins in their last 31 World Cup qualifiers at Wembley clash with Albania’s single victory in five recent away games, tilting the scales toward a comfortable home win.
- Player Scoring Trends: Harry Kane’s 17 goals in 14 European qualifiers and Jude Bellingham’s 10 goal involvements in 15 caps signal a high chance of England’s stars finding the net, unlike Albania’s two goals in five outings.
- Recent Schedule Impact: England’s lighter recent workload contrasts with Albania’s congested Nations League fixtures, potentially leaving the visitors fatigued and less sharp against a rested Three Lions.
- Stadium Influence: Wembley’s 90,000-strong crowd has fueled England’s unbeaten qualifier run, while Albania’s lone goal in six visits suggests they crumble under this pressure anticipate a boost for the hosts.
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England vs Albania Match Prediction
England should cruise to victory in Thomas Tuchel’s debut as manager, leveraging their superior form, talent, and historical edge. Their attack, led by Kane and Bellingham, faces an Albanian defense that’s leaked goals against lesser sides. With Wembley’s backing and a 31-game unbeaten qualifier streak, the Three Lions are primed to overwhelm. Albania’s returnees, Broja and Manaj, offer some threat, but their paltry scoring record two goals in five won’t trouble Jordan Pickford often. The England vs Albania odds reflect this disparity, likely favoring a multi-goal margin. A clean sheet is probable given Albania’s lone goal in six prior meetings. Tuchel’s tactical nous, honed at Chelsea, should ensure a structured, dominant display, while Albania’s relegation to Nations League C hints at their ceiling. Expect England to control possession, press high, and convert chances efficiently. A 3-0 scoreline feels realistic England’s firepower meets Albania’s fragility head-on.
Our Prediction: England 3-0 Albania
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | England Win | 1.15 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.57 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.43 |
Get in on the action with confidence place your bet on the England vs Albania match at bc.game. With England’s proven pedigree and Albania’s ongoing struggles, this qualifier presents a straightforward betting opportunity. Sign up, review the odds, and support the Three Lions to launch Group K in commanding fashion.
