The Thomas Tuchel England era will begin on Friday, 21 March when the Three Lions take on Albania at Wembley Stadium.
The match also starts both nations' World Cup qualifying campaigns, with a place at the USA World Cup next summer the target for both.
England are the firm favourites to top Group K but Tuchel could have had an easier start with Albania showing they are a handy unit at the recent European Championships.
As part of this week's World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our England vs Albania prediction below.
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England vs Albania prediction: A comfortable night ahead for the Three Lions
Key Stats
- England have lost just two of their last 13 matches.
- Albania have won just one of their last five matches.
- Albania have failed to score in their last three matches against England.
Correct score prediction: England 3-0 Albania
Although Albania have the potential to make this an awkward night for England, the Three Lions should have too much quality for their opponents. The infamous new manager bounce often extends to the international scene and Tuchel is expected to set his team up to take the game to Albania from the off which should get the Wembley crowd involved.
Pre-game odds and win probability: England start as big favourites
- HOME: 2/13 (1.15) – 86.7%
- DRAW: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
- AWAY: 16/1 (17.00) – 5.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The England vs Albania odds are heavily weighted in favour of the home team which shouldn't come as a surprise given that they ranked 61 places higher than Albania in the FIFA World Rankings. Ladbrokes have given England an 86.7% chance of victory on Friday night while Albania have been given just a 5.9% chance of winning.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: England dominance
England have a perfect record in matches against Albania with the Three Lions winning all six of their previous encounters with the Eagles. The two most recent clashes came in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with England winning 2-0 in Albania before running out as 5-0 victors at Wembley.
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 12/11/21
England
Albania
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 28/03/21
Albania
England
England preview: Pressure on Tuchel already
Eyebrows have been raised about some of Thomas Tuchel's selections or his first England squad, most notably the inclusions of Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson. Many fans feel the time has come to bring in some fresh blood but the German clearly feels that experience is needed in the squad. A poor start this week would only ramp up the noise around his squad selection.
Predicted lineup: Pickford (GK), Walker, Guehi, Colwill, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Jones, Foden, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
W
Latvia
0
England
3
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Albania
0
England
2
UEFA Nations League B 17/11/24
W
Rep of Ireland
0
England
5
UEFA Nations League B 14/11/24
W
Greece
0
England
3
UEFA Nations League B 13/10/24
W
Finland
1
England
3
Albania preview: Looking to create history
This current group of Albania players are arguably the best in the nation's history and they have a chance to make history this week by becoming the first Albanian side to pick up points in a match against England. Can they take advantage of the early pressure on Tuchel and steal a win on Friday night?
Predicted lineup: Strakosha (GK), Balliu, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Aliji, Ramadani, Asllani, Asani, Bajrami, Muci, Manaj
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
W
Andorra
0
Albania
3
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
England
2
Albania
0
UEFA Nations League B 19/11/24
L
Ukraine
2
Albania
1
UEFA Nations League B 16/11/24
D
Czechia
0
Albania
0
UEFA Nations League B 14/10/24
W
Georgia
0
Albania
1
Player to watch: Marcus Rashford
Much has been made of Marcus Rashford's supposed ‘resurgence' since moving to Aston Villa on loan in January but if you dig beneath the noise, then you will find that actually, the 27-year-old is yet to find the back of the net for his new club and we're now in March. Regardless, he has done enough to get himself back in the England fold and will surely be determined to put in a performance to keep him there.