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By HARRY BAMFORTH and OLIVER HOLT AT WEMBLEY and IAN LADYMAN AT WEMBLEY and JACK GAUGHAN AT WEMBLEY and LEWIS STEELE AT WEMBLEY Published: 05: 00 AEDT, 22 March 2025 | Updated: 08: 57 AEDT, 22 March 2025 220 View comments Follow Mail Sport's live blog of England versus Albania as the Three Lions look to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge.    We have to talk about this lad, don't we? Now there really weren't many positives to take from that game, I can't lie. But there is one, at least. Myles Lewis-Skelly was brilliant today. Nope, not just because he scored a goal, but his overlapping and maturity on the ball. Making your England debut must be so nerve-wracking, but Lewis-Skelly looked like he had been playing at this level for 10 years. So cool, so calm, and so talented. He has a long international career ahead of him. Lewis-Skelly really is having some season. Declan Rice, England midfielder, speaking to ITV: I'm pretty sure this was the only highlight from the second half, and I'm not lying. Harry Kane was struggling to really fashion any chances but when he did, he was always going to take it. It's a lovely cross, a lovely touch, and a lovely finish. It just was Kane does, isn't it? A goalscoring machine. Erm. .. are you OK Thomas? I said that Tuchel wouldn't be unhappy, but scrolling through these pictures I might have been wrong. He may have started his tenure off with a win, but my word he doesn't exactly look buzzing, does he? At the end of the day, his side have come away from his first game with three points and a clean sheet. In international football, it's hard to get performances so it will take Tuchel some time. It will be interesting to hear what he made of all fo it. Job done for Thomas Tuchel and Co. England's new era gets off to a winning start, but my word it wasn't the best of games. If you have sat and read through all of this coverage you will know how much have been moaning. Tuchel won't be unhappy, mind, as goals in either half from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane were enough. I wouldn't say it's the perfect start, but it's a start. I reckon the stadium is only 40 per cent full now, if that. I said earlier that I wouldn't criticise the fans for it, but it is a little bit ridiculous. Wembley Way will be blooming rammed now, it may have actually been more beneficial to put yourself through the end of this match. FIVE? ? Really. If it wasn't my job to cover these games I would have turned this off a long time ago. Let's just hope this stoppage time goes quickly, eh? Take a bow, Myles Lewis-Skelly! The England debutant leaves to pitch to a standing ovation from the fans who are still here. He is replaced by Reece James. My word, Wembley is basically empty. People really aren't hanging about, they don't want to get home too late. .. despite it being a Friday. Or maybe they just want to go to the pub? Either way, this game is crawling to an end here, I hope there isn't much stoppage time. This game is done and the fans are starting to go home. I would normally moan about people leaving early, but this hasn't exactly been the best game. Also, if you have been to Wembley you'll know how much of a nightmare it is to get out of. Queues dor days, and days. What is going on? Strakosha is down again and the stretcher comes on, but then he just gets up and stands with his hands on his hips. There is then a stupidly long wait for Elhan Kastrati to get ready, but he does eventually come on. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson gets a big cheer as he comes on for Declan Rice. Albania react with a couple of changes. Well, I say react but they were stood waiting before the goal went in. .. so, I guess that's a little white lie. Arber Hoxha and Adrion Pajaziti are now on for the visitors. Harry Kane gets his goal! The England captain just always manages to find the net, no matter what, and scores his 70th in an England shirt. Declan Rice clips one to the back post, Kane takes it down beautifully and then bends the ball low into the bottom corner. Lovely, lovely finish. Strakosha has not had the best couple of minutes. He nearly clarts Harry Kane with a ridiculous punch as the striker goes for a header, but the ball goes for a corner. And now he is down with an injury and receiving treatment. For what, though, I'm not sure. Maybe he just wants a breather. .. Thomas Tuchel decides to turn to his bench, which is a very good idea. Anthony Gordon does get his go at Wembley after missing last weekend's final. He has had to wait an age on the touchline, but eventually, he comes on to replace Phil Foden. Morgan Rogers and Jarrod Bowen also enter the action with Curtis Jones and Marcus Rashford making way. Ezri Konsa to the rescue! Albania have really started to get a head of steam and all of a sudden Asani finds himself through. You just think he is going to race away but Konsa comes from nowhere to get a cross and put in a great tackle. England have to be careful here, they really do. Oh, deary me. .. Armando Broja has just made Dan Burn a little silly as he rolls him brilliantly before the defender falls to the floor. Broja races away but his final product is so poor and Kyle Walker clears. That is one for his Youtube compilations. By Jack Gaughan At Wembley Oh, that's nearly so brilliant from Jude Bellingham. He gets in a pickle with three defenders around him in the box but somehow manages to get the ball out of his feet. With a cheeky bit of skill, he gets the ball to Myles Lewis-Skelly, but the full-back can't get the shot away. That would have been one hell of an assist. Here comes Armando Broja, at last! The striker has had so many injury problems but here he is to try and cause some problems. There is a monster cheer from the away support as he enters the action. This is a little better from England. They seem to have realised that they need to entertain those of us who have been made to watch this dribble. Curtis Jones does well down the right but Phil Foden can't get on the end of his cross. A chance, we have had a chance! Of course, it's Jude Bellingham that manages to create it. .. I mean, who else? Marcus Rashford breaks away before Bellingham takes over and finds Harry Kane. But the striker headers well wide - the story of his night. The England fans are finally having a cheeky little chant. It's a really creative one too, they are singing: 'Du du du du du du du, England'. Not sure how they came up with that one. It's more interesting than what is happening on the pitch, mind. You know that meme where a man has a stick and points at the ground as he says 'do something'. Well, that's how I feel. I sometimes forget how little action there is in international matches, but I have been reminded in the last nine minutes. Erm. .. this has been a bit of a boring start to the second half. I was trying to think of ways to sugarcoat things, but I just can't - nothing is happening. If anything, Albania have started this half the better team. Oooooft. .. now that's got to hurt. Dan Burn has just morphed into Thomas Aspinall and produced a kick to the jaw of Uzuni. Dana White, get that man in the heavyweight division. The Albanian is a little shaken - I mean, he got a huge shin to the face - but he is OK to continue. What a trooper. Right then, we are ready to go again. Both sides are now back out onto the turf and neither have made any changes. So, it's time to get cracking. Happy, Thomas? I imagine that Tuchel will be satisfied, but he will know that wasn't the best half of footie. He has been taking notes a lot during this match, so I imagine he has a lot to say to his players. Still, he's on course for the perfect start. Myles Lewis-Skelly, remember the name. When the Arsenal man dreamed of his England debut, I imagine this is the moment that was in his mind. It's a great finish from the young lad, almost like he is a striker in his prime. And it made history. I have a sneaky suspicion that Lewis-Skelly will be watching this on repeat when he gets back to his hotel tonight. What a moment. So far, so good for Thomas Tuchel. Myles Lewis-Skelly's debut goal means that the Three Lions head into the break in charge. Dan Burn also got his moment too, but for now, it's just the one goal for the German's side. It wasn't the best half of footie, but it will do. Ohhhh, Dan Burn! The second England debutant comes a bars-width away form also scoring on his special day. The defender rises highest to hammer a corner toward goal and the ball smashes back off of the bar. Nearly his second Wembley header in a week, what a moment that would have been. He's just ridiculously dominant from corners. How has that not gone in? ?? I can't believe it, and neither can Harry Kane - he has his head in his hands as I type this. He is denied a certain goal from six yards out as Berat Gjimshit gets a huge block in to deflect the ball over the bar. It comes straight after Jude Bellingham sees a header beaten out by Strakosha. How England have not scored, I do not know. This game has certainly not been scintillating, that's for sure. Bar the opener, not much has actually happened in an attacking sense here at Wembley. I mean, the last time these two faced off England scored five and Harry Kane scored a hat-trick before the break. And that was under 'defensive' Gareth Southgate. .. Everything seems to be going through Jude Bellingham right now, and I mean everything. He is making Egland tick. Some good little passes here and there before the odd line-breaking ball. A good 35 minutes from the midfielder, I like what I'm seeing. Erm. .. that feels harsh. Berat Gjimshiti has just picked up a yellow card for simply beating with the referee after a foul was given against Albania. I mean, he wasn't gunning for him like a lot of players do, so that feels unfair in my book. That goal has given Albania a little kick up the bum, it seems. They have certainly woken up and are now actually putting England under some pressure. We may have a game on our hands now. Erm. .. what's happened there then? Dan Burn has a bit of a brain fart as he and Jordan Pickford get confused when trying to get rid of a cross. The ball even ends up hitting the bar before Burn heads behind for a corner when Pickford was ready to catch the ball. Not his finest moment at Wembley. .. that was last week. England have shown their press for the first time and it's as intense as we expected. .. very. Albania have a sniff of a cheeky counter but the Three Lions are all over them in a flash. Great stuff. I've just watched the Jude Bellingham pass again, and my word, it's so brilliant. He times it absolutely perfectly for Myles Lewis-Skelly, he couldn't have done it any better. It makes the Arsenal man the youngest person in England history to score on his debut. Wow, just wow. WHAT A MOMENT FOR THE YOUNG LAD! It's a dream debut for Myles Lewis-Skelly as he scores the very first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era. Jude Bellingham plays a stunning ball to slice open the Albania defence and the full-back manages to shrug off a defender to get to it. He takes a touch and then just slips the ball through the legs of Strakosha and into the net. Now that is what dreams are made of. Oh, that's a little better. Just as I clicked send on the last post, England very nearly shut me up. They finally do slide the ball in behind the Albania backline and Harry Kane looks like he is through. But Strakosha does really well to rush out and thwart the skipper. What are you all having for dinner? That may seem like a weird question, but I need something to talk about otherwise I will have nothing to write. Albania are just making life so hard for England, they can't break the low block down. A test in patience. JUST SHOOT! It's only been 13 minutes but it's abundantly clear that England are allergic to shooting. Harry Kane plays in Marcus Rashford who is forced wide and then he starts a series of passing. One of the players just needs to have a pop, but they somehow manage to pass themselves out of a dangerous attack. Just put your foot through it, lads. Ohhh, Myles Lewis-Skelly has a nervy moment. England have had all the ball and it goes back to the debutant. He then dilly-dallies with it and nearly loses the ball. Asani hunts him down but Lewis-Skelly does well to win a foul when it looked like he was in trouble. Not the best thing for his confidence, I'm sure. By Jack Gaughan At Wembley I've just yawned inside five minutes, that's not a good sign. This has very much been a slow start but I am not going to judge too quickly. It's better that England have all of the ball and do nothing with it rather than being on the ropes. I'm sure some chances will come soon, it's early days. Well, it's a tame start to the Tuchel era. England are just settling in by knocking the ball about under little to no pressure. Curtis Jones is getting a lot of time on the ball and it will be interesting to see how he does in this system. Tuchel has been really impressed with him, so he will want to deliver. I am stunned guys, I really am. No, not because Thomas Tuchel didn't sing the national anthem, but because he is not wearing a cap. I swear he always used to wear a cap on the touchline, didn't he? Anyway, the ball is now rolling and the new era is underway. Will it start with a win? Well, there you go. The minute God Save The King comes on all eyes turn to Thomas Tucherl and his staff. We all knew it was going to happen, so it's no surprise as he doesn't sing the national anthem. I mean, Sylvinho didn't sing the Albanian national anthem, and I bet their supporters aren't bothered. The players at least went for it when the music came on, Declan Rice was properly belting the tune out. Sadly you could hear Jordan Pickford and it's safe to say he can't carry a tune. Sorry Jordan, but it's true. The time has come to talk about this, we just have to. A lot was made about Lee Carsley not singing the national anthem, and supporters were not happy. Well, I don't think they will be happy tonight. Thoams Tuchel has already admitted that he is not going to sing God Save The King. I mean, he is German so it makes a lot of sense. It's just a job for him at the end of the day; he is here to win not to sing. That's my view anyway, . I know a lot of people feel different. We told you these Albanian fans were up for it. Just look at all that energy before they even got into Wembley, they are bouncing. At times it may feel like a home game for them - England fans are not always the loudest. We are nearly there! The warm-ups have just been wrapped up and my word Harry Kane looks on smoke already. He was banging them in during shooting drills, it was scary. In 10 minutes, he and his side will be starting their first match under Thomas Tuchel. I wonder how they are all feeling, eh? Kyle Walker, England full-back, speaking on ITV: It's a big night for Marcus Rashford, isn't it? If you were to tell me at the turn of the year that Marcus Rashford would be in Thomas Tuchel's first squad, let alone starting line-up, I would have laughed. .. loudly, too. He wasn't even getting into the Manchester United squad at that time, he wasn't kicking a ball. But after a resurgence at Aston Villa, he returns to the England side for the first time since 2023. It's his time to shine again. Footballers can certainly peak at different ages. Some burst onto the scene and shine in their early years before the spark starts to dwindle. There are some others that take a while to get going but continue to get better into their 30s. Well, Dan Burn is the latter. At 32 years old, he is the oldest player to make his debut for England since a 33-year-old Kevin Davies against Montenegro in October 2010. Aging like a fine wine. Is that Alexis Mac Allister? It looks like the Liverpool midfielder has switched allegiances to become Albanian and support the team. Do you not think this fan looks like the Argentine? I do. Anyway, I am getting sidetracked. This post was meant to be about how many Albanians are at Wembley tonight. There are thousands of them and they are in fine voice. By Jack Gaughan At Wembley Oh, I really don't like when teams don't release a team new graphic. I have been sitting here like a lemon waiting for the Albania one to come through, but it just isn't coming. That means you are just going to have to put up with me listing the team, which I hope is alright. There is no Armando Broja. Albania XI: Strakosha, Balliu, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Aliji, Asllani, Ramadani, Asani, Bajrami, Laci, Uzuni. Thomas Tuchel, England boss, speaking on Thursday: There is one statistic Thomas Tuchel will not want to break tonight. When I came across this, I have to admit I was a little surprised. Scrap that, I was extremely shocked. All of England's last 10 managers have started their reign with a win, going all the way back to Graham Taylor in 1990. Not bad, eh? I'm sure Tuchel will want to avoid being the manager to end that run, especially with all the pressure on him. He doesn't really feel pressure, though. Well, that's what he says. My word, what a week for Dan Burn. It's the second time he is going to be starting at Wembley within seven days, and the last time he was here he lifted some silverware. This time around is a mammoth day for a different reason and he pulls on the Three Lions shirt for the very first time. Marc Guehi may be miffed, but Tuchel must want Burn to ride on the wave he has created recently. Can he put in another stellar display? Here is the main man. Thomas Tuchel enters Wembley on a matchday for the first time as England manager. He doesn't exactly look buzzing, mind, does he? It's business as usual for Tuchel, he isn't here to play games. Well, he is but you know what I mean. By Harry Bamforth As I have already said, Thomas Tuchel doesn't exactly have long to make things click. He almost needs to become Mary Poppins and be able to make things happen at the snap of his fingers Imagine if that was possible, eh? Anyway, I thought I would show you all the matches that England have scheduled in the next eight months, which are huge. Here are the games: Wow. Wow. Wow. What a night it is going to be for Myles Lewis-Skelly, he must feel like he is dreaming right now. At the start of the season, Lewis-Skellty hadn't even made his professional debut in the Premier League. Here we are, eight months later, and now the 18-year-old is starting for England. Now that is what you call a meteoric rise or as Micah Richards says 'bursting onto the season'. Luckily for Lewis-Skelly, he doesn't have Roy Keane shooting him down. well, not yet anyway. Well then, we have our answer. Thomas Tuchel has indeed selected Dan Burn in his first-ever England starting line-up. There is also a debut for Myles Lewis-Skelly who gets the nod at left-back, while Curtis Jones is in the middle. Marcus Rashford is trusted straight back in from the start, too. What a two weeks it has been for Dan Burn. First, he was called up to England duty for the first time in his career, which was massive for him. Then just five days ago at this very stadium, Wembley, he was the hero for his boyhood club Newcastle as he scored on his way to lifting the Carabao Cup against Liverpool. And now, it might just somehow get even better. Reports are suggesting that Burn is in line to make his first start for England this evening, with regular Marc Guehi benched. It would be absolutely huge if it's true. Morgan Gibbs-White's call-up joy has been short-lived. After initially not being included in Thomas Tuchel's first squad, the German decided to bring in Gibbs-White after Cole Palmer's knock. It pleased a lot of people because there seemed to be an uproar when he wasn't initially picked. It's understandable, Gibbs-White has been balling out for Nottingham Forest. Tuchel has been forced to trim his squad by three players for matchday, and Gibbs-White is one of the unlucky ones to miss out. Jarell Quansah and Aaron Ramsdale are the other two who will have to watch from the stands. A real shame for them, isn't it? Tonight, you are going to see a very different England side to the one that Lee Carsley fielded back in November. Get the walking sticks out, the golden oldies are back. There has been a lot of talk about Thomas Tuchel including Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, and it's easy to see why. Henderson is now part of a struggling Ajax side and is 34 years of age, while Walker's form has fallen off of a cliff this season and he was shipped to AC Milan in January. Now that may seem harsh, but it's hard to argue with. Well, I say that, but Tuchel was very clear on why he brought back 'serial winner' Henderson - he wants leaders. Marcus Rashford was also brought back into the fray while 32-year-old Dan Burn was given his first-ever call-up. Tuchel is putting a lot of value on experience, that's for sure. Alan Shearer, former England captain, speaking to Betfair: By Harry Bamforth There is one big reason Thomas Tuchel was brought in by the FA. He knows how to win. .. and does it quickly. A prime example of that is his time at Chelsea. It took less than six months for him to lead a struggling Blues side to Champions League glory. It truly was quite remarkable, I'm not sure a single soul saw it coming when he walked through the door at Stamford Bridge. And well, he needs similar success at England. The Three Lions have only given him an 18-month contract, he has to deliver results as quickly as possible. Going by his record, it should happen. By Harry Bamforth Thomas Tuchel, England boss, speaking on Thursday: By Harry Bamforth I love the Gen Z lingo, it's class. Now, that may be because I am one myself (I know, shock horror), but I also just find its informality refreshing. Earlier this week, Morgan Rogers said that Thomas Tuchel had 'aura'. It's a term used a lot by younger people when talking about the energy a person emits, and it usually means they are a leader. Coaches I would say that have aura are Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti, and the King of having aura. .. Jose Mourinho. So, with that being said, Rogers' words on Tuchel are really good news. The Three Lions need to trust in their new leader if they really want football to come home. Tuchel needs to get off to a flyer, he only has 18 months in this job to provide the success that this country craves. I'm itching to see how England play after just a few days of working with the new boss. I expect them to be brave, bold, and take lots fo risks. By Harry Bamforth The other day I was having a chat with some of my friends on a day off - yep, we do get those in journalism - and one of them brought up the World Cup. In my head, I thought, 'Why is he bringing this up'. It just seemed strange to me, it feels like it's a lifetime away. I mean, Qatar wasn't that long ago, was it? Well, he then stated that it's only just over a year away. .. I can't lie, it blew my mind. I honestly must have shouted 'What? ' at least 10, or maybe even 20 times. No, I am not exaggerating. It's crazy how time flies and that we are just 15 months away from seeing Thomas Tuchel lead the Three Lions into battle in North and Central America. The conversation quickly moved over to the fact that England are about to start their qualifying campaign, which frazzled my mind a little less. Tonight is the night that the road to the 2026 World Cup begins, and may the eight-month journey be a fun one. The question is, can England get off to the perfect start? By Harry Bamforth Are we all feeling rested? After nearly five days of no footie, I am feeling refreshed and raring to go, and I hope you all feel the same too. Normally, international breaks feel like an annoyance to many people as they see them as an interruption to the club game. Today is different, though. Why is that, I hear you ask? Well, tonight is the start of a new era for the England national team, and it's a very exciting one. It's Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge since being appointed back in October, and man that feels like a lifetime ago. Honestly, I feel like I've aged a few years since then. .. I bet the German has been desperate for this day to come ever since he stepped into St George's Park for the first time, and here it is. He starts his tenure off at Wembley - a place he is certainly familiar with - as the Three Lions start their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania. All eyes are on the capital tonight and I simply can't wait for this all to get going. Let's hope it's a cracking night. Anyway, it's time to get this show on the road. England V people traffiker & drug dealer natio. ..

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