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England Visit Albania Seeking Perfect, Clean‑Sheet Finish to Qualifying

Tuchel says chasing statistical milestones is not the team’s motivation.

Overview

  • Kick-off is 17:00 GMT at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana, with live coverage on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX.
  • England have already booked a 2026 World Cup place and remain unbeaten without conceding; a win to nil would complete a 100% campaign with no goals allowed, a first for a European qualifier.
  • Thomas Tuchel downplayed record-chasing, saying he has not used it to motivate the squad and is focused on performance foundations.
  • Albania have secured second place in Group K and a March play-off berth, with their FA president describing the achievement as historic for the nation.
  • Squad updates include Marc Guéhi leaving camp for foot treatment, Nick Pope and Anthony Gordon withdrawing, and Ezri Konsa ruled out with a calf issue, while Jude Bellingham could return to the XI and Eberechi Eze is under consideration after scoring against Serbia.