Harry Kane capped England’s historic World Cup qualifying campaign with a late double in a 2-0 win over Albania on Sunday in Tirana, completing a flawless record under Thomas Tuchel.
England’s victory marks their eighth successive Group K win, making them the first European side in a World Cup qualifying campaign of six or more matches to win all games without conceding a goal. The Three Lions also become the first European team to win every qualifier since Germany in 2018.
England scored 22 goals and conceded none en route to next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, extending their unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers to 39 games, dating back to a 1-0 loss in Ukraine in 2009. Their 10 consecutive competitive wins without conceding equal Spain’s European record.
Under Tuchel, England end 2025 with their highest win percentage in a calendar year since 1946: nine victories from 10 games, with the only blemish a friendly defeat to Senegal in June.
“Nice match. I love it. Today was difficult, emotional. We were fully in control, then had to overcome tough moments,” Tuchel said. “It needed one little moment—a set piece or a spark of magic—to open the match. So much quality to see the game out. Everyone is happy, and they fully deserve it.”
Tuchel’s reign began with a 2-0 win against Albania in March, and the same opponents bookended his first year in charge. Despite already qualifying in October, England stayed focused, defeating Serbia on Thursday before comfortably dispatching Albania.
Kane leads the charge
Tuchel made seven changes from Thursday’s team, including the return of Jude Bellingham to the starting XI for the first time since June. England dominated possession but struggled to break down Albania, who were unbeaten in eight matches—their best run in 15 years.
Bellingham played a key role in setting up Jarrod Bowen, whose low strike was expertly saved by Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. Kane, continuing his penchant for delivering in key moments, opened the scoring in the 74th minute from a set piece. Bukayo Saka’s corner was flicked into the six-yard box, allowing Kane to tap in after Strakosha failed to collect.
Kane added a second in the 82nd minute, heading Marcus Rashford’s cross into the net from five yards. The striker now has 78 goals in 112 appearances for England, finishing the campaign in style.
“England want to build an NFL-style playbook to maximise set pieces at the World Cup,” Kane said ahead of the match, a strategy that clearly paid off.
With the draw for next year’s tournament set for December 5 in Washington, England can now reflect on a perfect qualifying run while preparing for tougher challenges ahead at the World Cup.
AFP
