Jobaaj Stories
England vs Albania: Tuchel's Winning Start
Thomas Tuchel's reign as England manager kicked off with a resounding 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley Stadium. The match marked not only Tuchel's debut but also a historic moment for Myles Lewis-Skelly, who became England's youngest-ever goalscorer on his senior debut. Harry Kane added a second goal, securing the three points for the Three Lions.
Tuchel's Pre-Match Thoughts
In the lead-up to the game, Tuchel expressed his excitement and acknowledged the pressure, describing it as a "privilege." He highlighted his intention to implement an attacking style while respecting Albania's counter-attacking capabilities, emphasizing adaptability as key to success. Tuchel also spoke of fostering a team environment built on excitement, hunger, and a collective belief in the project.
Kane's Perspective
England captain Harry Kane, who played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, shared his positive impressions of the new manager's approach. He emphasized Tuchel's focus on high-intensity pressing, attacking play, and creating numerous scoring chances. Kane expressed his excitement about the new chapter for England and confidence in the team's ability to deliver.
Match Highlights
Lewis-Skelly's composed finish in the 20th minute settled early nerves, and Kane's late goal sealed a comfortable victory. Dan Burn also had a strong debut, hitting the crossbar in the first half. The match showcased England's dominance, particularly in possession, although Tuchel highlighted areas for improvement in the team’s structure and attacking efficiency, particularly from the wingers.
Looking Ahead
England's 2-0 win provides a strong start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. While the performance wasn't perfect, Tuchel's focus on high-intensity pressing and attacking football already shows promise. The team faces Latvia in their next qualifier, with Tuchel looking to build on this initial success and address areas needing further refinement.
