England: Thomas Tuchel hails 'satisfying' win as debutants impress in Albania

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Evening Standard

·16. November 2025

England: Thomas Tuchel hails 'satisfying' win as debutants impress in Albania

Adam Wharton and Jarell Quansah did well in ‘difficult’ conditions

Thomas Tuchel admitted England’s 2-0 win in Albania was as satisfying as any of their victories during his reign so far.

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The Three Lions completed the full set of eight wins from World Cup qualifying Group K as Harry Kane’s two late goals ensured they came out on top in what proved a tricky test in Albania.

England last month became the first European nation to qualify for next summer’s World Cup and kept their levels high this month with 2-0 wins against Serbia and Albania.

Asked whether the Albania win was as satisfying as any so far, the head coach said: “Yes, yes. A nice match. I love it. Serbia was difficult, today was difficult. It got emotional. We were fully in control, then suddenly we lost a little bit of control.

“We had some difficult moments. To overcome an atmosphere like this, brilliant. Everyone is happy and they deserve it.”

Tuchel handed a full England debut to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in Tirana and gave a debut to Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.

Debutants: Adam Wharton made his first England start alongside Jarell Quansah

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“Good, good,” he said of Wharton’s performance. “Not easy, because we tried a little bit different in the build-up with John Stones [moving into midfield].

“In the second half, we reversed a little bit and played a 4-3-3 so he was alone, sometimes a little exposed. It’s not his fault. We were a bit open and a bit sloppy. But overall he did well.

“I have to say I am very impressed by our debutant, Jarell Quansah. His first cap. He played like he had 50 already. The young guys are good.”