England will embark on a new era as they play their first match under Thomas Tuchel on March 21 (2025) against Albania in the first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Wembley Stadium, London. The Three Lions will be gunning to kick off their qualifier campaign with a dominant win and set the tone for a potentially memorable period under the German head coach. Here is our England predicted lineup for the upcoming clash against Albania.
England Predicted Lineup vs Albania For 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Clash
How England Have Lined Up Recently
Jordan Pickford has the goalkeeper role locked up for the Three Lions, featuring heavily in recent years. Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi both started in England’s previous games during the November (2024) international break, while Ezri Konsa also featured prominently. Lewis Hall was picked as England’s left-back in their last games, but his unavailability means that spot is up for takes.
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Jude Bellingham has made that no.10 spot his own for the Three Lions, while Curtis Jones also featured in their recent games. Harry Kane is England go-to striker, while Anthony Gordon’s heroics for Newcastle United saw him feature in the November matches. Noni Madueke was England right-wing option in their last two matches, but he is not available for these games either.
England Recent Form and Tactics
The Three Lions won both their matches against Greece (3-0) and the Republic of Ireland (5-0 in the November 2024 break. England’s playing style might all change with the arrival of Tuchel and his unique tactics. In terms of the formation, Tuchel actually likes to play with the 4-2-3-1 formation and used that in the majority of the games during his time as Bayern Munich manager. He could, however, make a few minor tweaks to the positioning and overall approach of the England players going forward.
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Tuchel is someone who likes to keep a sturdy defensive shape, not allowing any room for the opponents to create trouble and blocking them out in the key areas. He’s also someone who encourages a fluid, quick-passing attacking style, liking to use his tricky wingers to build up attacking play and giving maximum output to the no.9. With Kane having worked with the German coach, he could benefit with his style for the Three Lions. England might not be a heavy pressing side, but will be encouraged to be energetic in winning duels in midfield and spark the counter-attacks to torment Albania.
England Injuries to Consider
Tuchel will not be able to use a few crucial players because of injury troubles. Bukayo Saka is out of contention as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Cole Palmer is also ruled out after sustaining a knock before Chelsea’s recent 1-0 loss to Arsenal. Madueke is also injured, as are defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire.
England Predicted Lineup vs Albania
GK – Jordan Pickford
RB – Kyle Walker
CB – Marc Guehi
CB – Levi Colwill
LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly
CM – Declan Rice
CM – Curtis Jones
RW – Phil Foden
LW – Anthony Gordon
CF – Harry Kane
