England ended their World Cup qualifying campaign with a perfect record, beating Albania 2-0 in Tirana to secure an eighth straight win and an eighth consecutive clean sheet. No European team has ever gone through a World Cup qualifying group of at least six matches without conceding a goal.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark, when substitute Bukayo Saka delivered a corner that deflected off Albania defender Naser Aliji, allowing Harry Kane to tap in from close range. Kane doubled the lead minutes later, heading in a cross from another substitute, Marcus Rashford.
Kane's double took his season tally to 28 goals in 22 appearances for Bayern Munich and England, and moved him to 78 international goals, one more than Pelé scored for Brazil. The goals broke Albania's resistance, as they had conceded only three times in the campaign before this match.
Manager Thomas Tuchel made several changes to the starting XI, handing a debut to Jarell Quansah at right-back. Jude Bellingham, restored to the lineup, showed frustration when substituted after Kane's second goal. Despite a tight first half, England grew into the game and used their strength off the bench to decisive effect.
The result caps a strong qualifying campaign for Tuchel, who took charge in March and has established a clear playing identity and hierarchy. Albania, set up defensively by manager Sylvinho, had chances through winger Arber Hoxha but were unable to beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who made his first start for England.
