Albania vs England: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Albania vs England Preview as Tuchel Weighs Rotation in Final Qualifier

England’s World Cup qualifying campaign reaches its conclusion in Tirana on Sunday as Thomas Tuchel’s side meet Albania looking to preserve their flawless record. Seven games, seven wins, 20 goals scored and none conceded have underscored their dominance in Group K, and the visit to the Arena Kombetare offers both an opportunity to extend that run and a chance to experiment with the World Cup approaching.

Perfect Record Sets Calm Tone

England’s 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday continued their composed march through the qualifiers. Phil Foden’s return to the national set up was notable not only for his inclusion but also for the position he occupied. Tuchel deployed the Manchester City playmaker as a false nine in a 4-2-3-1, with Harry Kane given a rest from his usual leadership role in attack.

Photo: IMAGO

Jude Bellingham was also brought back into the squad after his October omission, although he had to settle for a place on the bench. With qualification secured and with England yet to concede in the group, Tuchel now has a chance to give key performers minutes while assessing new combinations. The calm confidence surrounding this team reflects their organisation, their squad depth and their ability to shift shapes without losing control.

Team News and Expected Changes

The headline from the England camp is the absence of Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender, who had travelled to Hotspur Way for treatment, has withdrawn from the squad after further assessments revealed a foot injury. He did not feature against Serbia and was sent home on Friday, meaning he will take no part in Tirana.

Photo: IMAGO

Elsewhere, the squad remains in good condition. Rotation is widely expected, and this could mean Bellingham is handed a first start since his recall. Foden may again operate centrally, where his touch and movement impressed despite the unfamiliarity of the role.

There is also the possibility of a second senior cap for Trevoh Chalobah, along with a debut for Alex Scott. The Bournemouth midfielder has earned his place through consistently strong league form, and facing Albania may offer Tuchel the ideal opportunity to integrate him.

Key Details for Albania vs England

Albania vs England will kick off at 5pm GMT on Sunday 16 November 2025 at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana. The match will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 4pm GMT. Supporters can also stream the match for free via ITVX’s website and app.

Prediction as England Aim to Close Out Campaign

Confidence should be high in the England camp. Albania have battled well throughout the group but have struggled to impose themselves against Europe’s top sides, and England’s defensive record speaks for itself. Even with expected changes, Tuchel’s side possess the quality to secure another comfortable victory.

There will be keen interest in how Foden and Bellingham are used, as well as the potential involvement of Scott, but England’s control, movement and strength in depth should allow them to dictate the rhythm. The reverse fixture at Wembley finished 2-0, and England may improve on that margin in Tirana.

England to win, 3-0.