It wasn’t quite the exhilarating spectacle promised by Thomas Tuchel.
However, England commenced their journey to the United States with a debut goal from Myles Lewis-Skelly and another from record-breaking scorer Harry Kane, overcoming a modest Albania side.
Arsenal’s 18-year-old left-back initiated the Tuchel period with a memorable moment, becoming England`s youngest player to score on debut – a reward for the bold decision by the new German coach.
Lewis-Skelly is a modern full-back, often appearing in attacking midfield and demonstrating impressive work rate and skill.
However, in the hour between their goals, England struggled and displayed some familiar issues.
Phil Foden was ineffective on the right, still appearing to struggle to integrate into the same team as Jude Bellingham, whose excellent assist set up Lewis-Skelly’s dream start.
Marcus Rashford, selected after limited Premier League time on loan at Aston Villa, showed effort but lacked impact.
Dan Burn, Tuchel’s other debutant, was unconvincing defensively, despite hitting the bar with a header just before halftime.
Under Gareth Southgate, such a performance might have been met with indifference.
But this is typical of tournament qualifying matches.
England will face a series of teams focused on defense with minimal ambition, which may not be truly indicative of their form by the time the World Cup in America arrives.
With friendlies against Senegal and Wales being the only ones scheduled this year, England will not encounter top-tier opposition for at least the next year.
Tuchel and his team hope this match marks the beginning of a successful journey towards the World Cup Final in New Jersey next July.
The new manager aims for widespread support. Whether he will get it remains to be seen.
Despite talking about boldness and positivity, Tuchel indeed chose a bold and positive lineup, debuting Lewis-Skelly and Burn, and recalling Rashford.
With an attacking back four and midfield, it seemed the perceived cautious approach of Southgate was discarded.
Yet, England previously defeated Albania 5-0 at home under Southgate four years prior.
The most successful England manager in recent decades wasn`t as negative as some now suggest.
England began calmly, dominating possession but lacking creativity until the 19th minute, Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough.
It was a moment of brilliance from Bellingham, who dropped deep, outmaneuvered his marker, and bypassed five defenders with a precise pass to Lewis-Skelly on the flank.
The Arsenal youngster needed just one touch to nutmeg goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha and ignite Tuchel`s era.
Kane soon moved into deeper positions, delivering a fine pass to Rashford, but Rashford failed to control the ball when he should have tested the keeper.
Subsequently, there was anxiety in the England defense when Dan Burn mishandled a clearance from Qasim Laci’s cross, sending the ball onto the crossbar, before colliding with Pickford for the same ball.
Tuchel had emphasized player communication throughout the week. This instance suggested room for improvement.
It took 34 minutes for the first paper airplane to land on the pitch, but Bellingham reignited the energy, running onto Rashford’s through-ball, only for his shot to be blocked by Strakosha.
England was largely unconvincing, but Kane was active across the field, winning tackles, and Bellingham was the primary creative force.
Foden was quiet on the right wing, while Curtis Jones showed eagerness but lacked impact.
Five minutes before halftime, Kyle Walker sprinted down the right and passed back to Bellingham, whose diving header was saved by Straoksha, with Kane`s subsequent attempt deflected over.
Then, from a Declan Rice corner, Burn leaped impressively and headed against the crossbar—nearly scoring a second Wembley goal within five days.
Early in the second half, Burn narrowly avoided a yellow card for a high challenge on Myrto Azuni.
Lewis-Skelly moved centrally to initiate an England attack, Rashford advanced but lost his footing, and Kane headed wide from a Bellingham cross.
Albania’s coach Sylvinho introduced Armando Broja, who quickly outpaced Burn twice but failed to trouble Pickford.
Ezri Konsa, arguably England’s standout player, made a crucial interception to prevent Jasir Asani from a clear shot on goal.
Tuchel responded with his first substitutions, bringing on Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers for Rashford, Foden, and Jones, none of whom had significantly influenced the game.
Shortly after, Rice delivered a cross to Kane, who controlled the ball skillfully, composed himself, and scored the second goal in the 78th minute.
It was Kane’s 70th goal for England, and if they are to succeed at the World Cup, he and Bellingham will be central to their efforts.
