England beat Albania 2-0 in their final World Cup qualifier to complete a perfect campaign under Thomas Tuchel and some stars sent the manager a message in Tirana
Thomas Tuchel smiling during Albania vs England
Thomas Tuchel smiling during Albania vs England(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Just four days after Thomas Tuchel said they could not all play together, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane proved otherwise. And, of course, it was Kane who won it for England with a late double in a record-breaking victory to give Tuchel a perfect send-off for next year’s World Cup.
Kane did not just draw level with Brazil legend Pele, the Bayern Munich star then went past him with his 78th goal to extend his record as England’s top scorer. Incredibly, England finished Group K with eight straight wins and became the first European team to go through a qualifying campaign without conceding a goal.
That is a remarkable record to be proud of on a night when it really felt as if Bellingham had also proved his point to the England manager. Restored to the starting line-up, Bellingham was brilliant as he tore all over the pitch and underlined his style and class which surely makes him a starter next summer.
It would be crazy to leave him out but Tuchel has played this like a dream because, in leaving out his star player, he has also got him hungry and determined. Tuchel could sit back and enjoy a win even after making seven changes to his starting line-up and, towards the end, he reverted back to type by squeezing all the big guns in to win the game.
Author avatar
Author avatar
It was Tuchel using his Pom squad again to win the game as he sent on a raft of world class forward in true rugby style. Kane said England are building an NFL style play book of set-pieces and of course they unlocked Albania’s stubborn resistance from a corner.
But they really upped a level and went through the gears with the introduction of Foden while it was Bukayo Saka who delivered the corner for the opening goal. It showed perhaps that, no matter what Tuchel said last week, you can never have too many good players in one team.
Tuchel was trying to suggest squeezing Foden, Bellingham and Kane would leave England unbalanced. But when you are chasing a victory then they are certainly a daunting proposition for any opponent.
Harry Kane scoring his and England's second goal against Albania
Harry Kane scoring his and England's second goal against Albania
View 2 Images
The truth was that England looked a bit disjointed at times with so many changes. Jarell Quansah struggled at right back. John Stones played well. Dan Burn looked cumbersome. Nico O’Reilly impressed again. You had a few positives and minuses all over the pitch.
Adam Wharton showed good moments. Declan Rice covered every blade of grass. Jarrord Bowen did well again. But it was Bellingham who really shone. He took the game to Albania throughout, setting up Bowen for the only decent effort in the first half.
The game was beginning to fade away. Keeper Dean Henderson - given a rare start - tore off his line to thwart Qazim Laci and made two decent saves. Eberechi Eze should have scored after Bellingham set him up. Then came the changes. Saka could - and should - have scored but fluffed his lines.
Then Saka’s corner was unwittingly flicked on by Albania’s Naser Aliji and there was Kane to forced home from almost on the goal line after 72 minutes. Marcus Rashford came on - yes, another forward - to provide a super cross for Kane to head home from close range after 82 minutes.
Soon after, Morgan Rogers came on for Bellingham. The Real Madrid did not look very happy but then that was more about wanting to finish the job than throwing a strop. Kane and Bellingham won the day for England. And probably showed that with a bit of luck along the way, they will be in the mix next summer.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image