Three Lions Target Perfect Finish in Tirana
England's national football team, under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel, arrives in Tirana for their final World Cup 2026 qualifier against Albania this Sunday. The match, which kicks off at 5pm and will be broadcast on ITV1, represents a chance for the Three Lions to cap off a flawless qualifying campaign. Having already secured their place in next year's tournament, England's primary objective is to maintain their 100% record and impressive defensive solidity.
Context and Team News for the Final Fixture
The pressure of qualification is off for both sides. England sealed their spot with a 5-0 win over Latvia in October, while Albania's recent 1-0 victory over Andorra, combined with England's 2-0 win against Serbia last time out, guaranteed the Red and Blacks a play-off place. This sets the stage for a contest where pride and individual performances take centre stage.
Tuchel is expected to use this opportunity to continue experimenting with his line-up. The midweek win over Serbia at Wembley was secured with goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, the latter coming off the bench to score a superb late goal. On the injury front, Marc Guehi has been ruled out, but there are no new concerns from the Serbia match. Debutants like Alex Scott and Nico O'Reilly will be hoping for more minutes as Tuchel assesses his options.
Betting Tips and Predictions: Eze to Shine
Given the context, betting sites heavily favour an England victory. The most compelling value bet appears to be England to win to nil at 13/10 with William Hill. This aligns with the statistical narrative of the campaign; England have won all seven of their qualifiers without conceding a single goal, while Albania's attack has often struggled against resilient defences.
Another enticing prospect revolves around Arsenal's Ebere Eze. Despite often being used as an impact substitute, Eze has been in fine form for his country, scoring in his last two appearances. His performance against Serbia was a clear statement of intent. Whether he starts or comes on later, the odds of 5/4 for Eze to score or assist with BetMGM offer excellent value for a player desperate to cement his place ahead of the World Cup.
While the match may lack competitive tension, it provides a vital platform for players to impress Tuchel before the final squad selection for the 2026 World Cup. Expect a professional and controlled performance from England as they aim to complete a perfect qualifying run.
