England got the Thomas Tuchel era off to a winning start at Wembley on Friday night with a 2-0 win over a competitive Albania side. The Three Lions started off their World Cup qualifying campaign with three points but had to work hard for them against a team who were dangerous on the counter-attack. Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly capped his senior international debut with a lovely goal after just 20 minutes, providing a side-footed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs after a terrific Jude Bellingham through ball.
After some scares at the other end, captain Harry Kane doubled the England lead with just 12 minutes remaining after expertly pulling down Declan Rice’s cross and bending his shot into the far corner for his 70th goal for his country. Express Sport rates and slates the England players after Tuchel’s first match in charge…
England player ratings vs Albania
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had little to do, but still managed to get in a tangle under his own crossbar in the first half.
Kyle Walker – 6
Pushed forward every chance he got in a bid to get involved in the game, but made little impact.
Ezri Konsa – 7
The Aston Villa man did little wrong, but will have much more demanding challenges than this ahead.
Dan Burn – 7
Had little or no defending to do, but still looked calm and assured on debut. Came within a whisker of scoring, too.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Marked a dream debut with the opening goal, to establish himself as a genuine superstar in the making.
Declan Rice – 8
World tirelessly from start to finish to keep driving his side forward. Another performance of impressive consistency.
Jude Bellingham – 9
Produced one sublime pass to help England take the lead. Saw enough effort miraculously saved. Man of the match.
Curtis Jones – 7
Buzzed around in midfield in bid to keep England moving forward, but overcomplicated things at times.
Phil Foden – 6
Saw lots of the ball, but seemed reluctant to take on his opposite number. Has to do better.
Harry Kane – 6
Fluffed one early chance. Is he fit enough to play this high-pressing game?
Marcus Rashford – 7
Looked like someone who had a point to prove. Which he did. Much better workrate from the winger.
Substitutes
Anthony Gordon (replaced Rashford, 74)
Jarrod Bowen (replaced Foden, 74)
Morgan Rogers (replaced Jones, 74)
Jordan Henderson (replaced Rice, 82)
Reece James (replaced Lewis-Skelly, 90)
ALBANIA (4-2-3-1): Strakosha 7; Balliu 6, Ajeti 6, Djimsiti 7, Aliji 7; Asllani 6, Ramadani 6; Asani 6, Bajrami 6 (Broja 64, 6), Laci 6; Uzuni 6.
Referee: Alejandro Hernandez 7
