City trio shine as England seal perfect 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign | OneFootball

City’s Nico O’Reilly and John Stones both started with Phil Foden a second half substitute as England rounded off their 2026 World Cup finals Group K qualification campaign with a 2-0 win away to Albania.

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Thomas Tuchel’s side had already sealed their place at next summer’s showpiece to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

But they went into the clash in Tirana seeking to seal a perfect qualification record of eight wins from eight - and two late second half goals from skipper Kane saw England achieve that feat – and also record a historic clean sweep of shut-outs too.

The City trio again caught the eye thanks their talent, technique and big game intelligence with Stones also demonstrating his mastery of the art of operating as a hugely effective hybrid midfielder.

The Three Lions dominated territory and possession pitted against a well drilled, disciplined Albania.

They created a number of excellent chances most principally for Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and substitute Bukayo Saka.

However, England were also indebted to goalkeeper Dean Henderson who produced a fine 52nd minute save to deny the hosts’ Arber Hoxha.

LION HEART: Nico O'Reilly takes the fight to Albania.

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But with the game still goalless, Foden was summoned from the bench midway through the second half.

And the visitors’ patience was finally rewarded 16 minutes from time when Kane pounced on an error from the hosts’ goalkeeper to fire in from close range.

Eight minutes from time the Bayern Munich man was there again, heading home a fine Marcus Rashford cross to chalk up what was his 78th international goal.

Meanwhile City midfielder Rayan Cherki was a second half substitute as France, who had already sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup finals, rounded off their Group D qualifying campaign with a 3-1 away to Azerbaijan.

The hosts had taken a fourth minute lead in Baku through Renat Dadashov’s fourth minute near-post strike.

France though levelled on 17 minutes thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header before then taking the lead on half an hour with Maghnes Akliouche converting from close range.

Kephren Thurham extended the French advantage in first half stoppage time as Didier Deschamps’ men rounded off their campaign in winning fashion.