Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his debut and Harry Kane grabbed his 70th international goal as Thomas Tuchel made a winning start to life as England head coach with a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley.
Lewis-Skelly, one of two England debutants along with Dan Burn on Tuchel’s first game in charge, scored the first goal of the German’s new era as the 18-year-old converted Jude Bellingham’s through ball in a fairytale moment.
Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final hero Burn was not too far away from joining the Arsenal teenager on the scoresheet but his the bar from Declan Rice’s corner as England went in the break ahead.
The second half of England’s opening World Cup qualifying fixture was not overly convincing, with Albania carrying some threat, but captain Kane made sure of the three points as he steered in a composed finish in the 77th minute.
There is work for Tuchel to do but England made a winning start on their road to the 2026 World Cup and they will return to Wembley on Monday for another qualifier against Latvia. Follow all the reaction from Tuchel’s first game in charge at Wembley below
‘Fearless’ Lewis-Skelly praised after England debutOnly one way for the reaction to start,it’s England debutant, and goal-scorer, Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Declan Rice has had this to say about his performance:
“He is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.
“I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.
“He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him.”
(The FA via Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:55
FULL TIME! England 2-0 AlbaniaYou’ve got to start somewhere. But Thomas Tuchel wins his first game in charge of England. Will be interesting to hear what he made of England’s performance.
(The FA via Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:44
FULL TIME! England 2-0 AlbaniaThe Thomas Tuchel era is underway with a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley! Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane on the scoresheet.
Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:40
England 2-0 Albania90+4 mins: Pickford comes out of his box to make a clearance. He hasn’t had anything to do in the second half, really.
Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:40
England 2-0 Albania90+1 mins: We’re into five minutes of added time.
It’s not been a classic. Or, we’ve seen this type of England game before. It’s a World Cup qualifier, England have won, but it’s not been overly entertaining.
Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:36
England 2-0 Albania90 mins: A final change for England and a standing ovation for Myles Lewis-Skelly! The scorer of the opening goal is replaced by Reece James.
Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:35
England 2-0 Albania86 mins: That Kane goal has really killed off Albania’s fight.
And a few England fans are looking to get the early Tube back into London.
(The FA via Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:32
England 2-0 Albania82 mins: Back underway. Jordan Henderson is back in an England shirt at Wembley. The former Liverpool captain gets a warm reception.
It wasn’t too long ago that he was booed here after joining a club in Saudi Arabia. He has since moved to Ajax.
Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:28
England 2-0 Albania81 mins: The defending from the Albania defender Ajeti was rubbish, as he jumped in for a ball he was never going to win.
Kane said thank you very much as he shrugged him off and found the corner.
There has been a stoppage as Albania’s goalkeeper Strakosha can’t continue.
(Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:27
GOAL! England 2-0 Albania (KANE 77′)WHO ELSE! ANOTHER GOAL FOR KANE!
Oh this is quality from the captain! Out of nothing, he lurks at the back post, brings down Rice’s cross and then steers a finish across goal and into the corner.
70 goals for England – and that is a proper striker’s goal.
Jamie Braidwood21 March 2025 21:22
