Thomas Tuchel has been in the England hot seat for just a few months, but already the expectations are sky-high. The former Chelsea and PSG boss takes charge of his first competitive fixture when the Three Lions host Albania at Wembley Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.
It’s not just a game — it’s a statement of intent from both Tuchel and his players, who are eager to leave behind the mixed emotions of the Gareth Southgate era.
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Tuchel’s First Test: Can He Inspire the Lions?
Since his appointment in October 2024, Tuchel has been busy behind the scenes, working to instill his signature tactical discipline and commitment to aggressive pressing. But for all the training ground talk and tactical diagrams, the real test starts now. Albania, traditionally seen as minnows in European football, won’t be an opponent to fear, but they are a crucial stepping stone in the path to the expanded 2026 World Cup.
What makes Tuchel’s debut even more intriguing is the legacy he inherits. Gareth Southgate’s reign ended on a bittersweet note, with England crashing out of Euro 2024 earlier than expected. While Southgate brought stability and pride back to the national side, questions were raised over his ability to win the big games. Now, Tuchel must navigate those high expectations, balancing the need for results with his vision of building a modern, dynamic England team.
A Tactical Shift: From Pragmatism to Precision
Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Tuchel’s tactical acumen translates at the international level. His club career has been defined by flexibility, but the hallmarks remain consistent: high pressing, structured defensive lines, and quick transitions. At Chelsea, he favored both the 3-4-3 and the 4-2-3-1 formations, and there’s every chance we might see either of those setups at Wembley.
One of the key talking points ahead of the match is Tuchel’s squad selection. He has opted to blend experience with youth, a move that echoes Southgate’s philosophy but with a distinctly German twist. Veterans like Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford bring leadership and consistency, while fresh faces such as Dan Burn and 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly hint at the start of a generational shift.
Key Battles: Midfield Control and Defensive Solidity
The midfield battle will be critical, with Jordan Henderson tasked with anchoring the center of the pitch. His leadership and ball distribution will be key to maintaining England’s rhythm, especially against an Albanian side that will look to frustrate with deep defensive blocks and quick counters.
One area where Tuchel has shown an immediate impact is in defensive structure. England’s backline under Southgate was sometimes criticized for being too conservative, but Tuchel’s philosophy emphasizes proactive defending. Expect to see the center-backs stepping up to intercept rather than merely containing threats.
Dan Burn’s selection has raised eyebrows, but his height and aerial dominance are valuable assets, particularly against an Albanian side that likes to exploit set pieces. Meanwhile, full-backs like Ben Chilwell and Reece James could be crucial in providing width and stretching the Albanian defense, allowing the likes of Rashford and Bukayo Saka to exploit pockets of space.
Albania’s Game Plan: Park the Bus and Counter
Albania isn’t coming to Wembley expecting to dominate possession or dictate the game. Instead, they’ll likely stick to what they know best — a rigid 4-5-1 setup aimed at limiting space between the lines. Expect Albania to defend deep and narrow, forcing England to break them down while looking for opportunities to hit on the counter.
Chelsea’s Armando Broja, who has been gaining traction as one of Albania’s key forwards, will be central to their attacking ambitions. His pace and direct running could cause problems if England’s defense gets caught high up the pitch. Elseid Hysaj, the veteran full-back, will also play a crucial role in keeping England’s wide attackers at bay.
The Weight of Expectations
International football carries a different kind of pressure than club management. While Tuchel is no stranger to high-stakes games, the emotional intensity of managing England at Wembley brings its own unique challenges. He’ll need to balance pragmatic decision-making with the desire to entertain and inspire a fanbase that has grown accustomed to seeing its team fall just short.
For the players, there’s an added incentive. The World Cup qualification format has expanded to 48 teams, giving Europe 16 slots rather than 13. While that theoretically makes England’s path to the tournament easier, complacency could still be costly. A strong start in qualifying is essential, and a win against Albania would send the right message.
Historical Context: England’s Dominance
History certainly favors the Three Lions. England has won all six previous encounters against Albania, with a combined scoreline of 20-1. The most recent meeting was a 5-0 rout in November 2021, where Harry Kane bagged a hat-trick and England never looked in danger.
That said, Albania has shown steady progress in recent years, and while they remain outsiders, they are no longer the pushovers of old. Tuchel will be keen to ensure his side doesn’t fall into the trap of underestimating the opposition, especially in a qualification campaign where dropping points early could spell trouble.
Players to Watch
England:
- Harry Kane: The captain will be looking to lead from the front, adding to his impressive international tally.
- Bukayo Saka: An explosive winger with a knack for finding space, Saka will be vital in unlocking Albania’s defense.
- Jordan Henderson: Tuchel’s on-field general, tasked with dictating the tempo and maintaining structure.
Albania:
- Armando Broja: A potential game-changer with pace and finishing ability, particularly on the break.
- Elseid Hysaj: A veteran defender with the responsibility of keeping England’s wide men in check.
- Keidi Bare: A hard-tackling midfielder who will look to disrupt England’s rhythm in the middle.
Prediction: England 3-0 Albania
There’s no getting away from the gulf in quality between the two sides. England, under Tuchel’s meticulous guidance, should have too much firepower and tactical discipline for an Albanian side that will be forced to play on the back foot. While Albania may frustrate the hosts early on, an eventual breakthrough seems inevitable.
Look for Kane to lead by example with at least one goal, while Saka and Rashford could also find the net. Tuchel’s debut is expected to be successful, and fans will be looking for a performance that hints at more than just a one-off win — a sign that this new era is built to last.
Final Word
The stakes may not be as high as a major tournament knockout game, but this match is more than just a qualifier — it’s a litmus test for England’s new direction. Can Tuchel deliver on his promise to build a world-class national team? We’ll get the first clues on Friday night. Wembley awaits, and so does the verdict on whether England can finally turn promise into success.
