Thomas Tuchel unimpressed as new England era begins with with over Albania - reaction

Thomas Tuchel said England “have to do better” after overseeing a 2-0 win over Albania in his first game in charge, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring on his debut and Harry Kane grabbing his 70th international goal at Wembley

Lewis-Skelly, one of two England debutants along with Dan Burn on Tuchel’s first game in charge, scored the first goal of the German’s new era as the 18-year-old converted Jude Bellingham’s through ball in a fairytale moment.

But the second half of England’s opening World Cup qualifying fixture was not overly convincing, with Albania carrying some threat. Captain Kane made sure of the three points as he steered in a composed finish in the 77th minute.

There is work for Tuchel to do but England made a winning start on their road to the 2026 World Cup and they will return to Wembley on Monday for another qualifier against Latvia. "We can do better, we have to do better,” Tuchel said.

Follow all the reaction from Tuchel’s first game in charge at Wembley below

England vs Albania LIVE: Latest World Cup qualifying updates

England defeat Albania 2-0 at Wembley in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge
Myles Lewis-Skelly scores on debut as Harry Kane wraps up win with 70th England goal
77' GOAL! Harry Kane doubles England's lead with excellent forward play in the box (ENG 2-0 ALB)
42' OFF THE BAR! Debutant Dan Burn close to England goal with towring header (ENG 1-0 ALB)
20' GOAL! 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly scores on debut for first goal under Tuchel (ENG 1-0 ALB)

'A good win to start the new era'

23:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Jude Bellingham on what went well for England and what went missing in the 2-0 win over Albania.

"Pretty good, we had clear ideas of what we wanted to do and how to play. It is difficult against a team that sits so low. Generally we stuck to the plan well, we had a really good week of training. A good win to start the new era.

"Keeping the rhythm, keeping the tempo [are the things to work on]. Maybe being a bit more clinical. The more we are together as a group the more we will learn."

Thomas Tuchel impressed with Myles Lewis-Skelly

22:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Thomas Tuchel said he has already “fallen in love” with Myles Lewis-Skelly after his record-breaking England debut.

The 18-year-old became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut as he netted the first goal under Tuchel in the 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.

The Arsenal full-back, who only broke into Mikel Arteta’s first team this season, converted Jude Bellingham’s excellent pass and Tuchel as impressed with his performance and impact.

He told ITV: "Amazing player. Amazing personality. He came into camp and showed straight away that it's normal to fall in love with him. It is well deserved."

Myles Lewis-Skelly wins player of the match!

22:41 , Jamie Braidwood

England debut, England goal, and now player of the match award for Myles Lewis-Skelly!

Thomas Tuchel wanted 'more impact' from Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford

22:19 , Jamie Braidwood

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said he wanted “more impact” from his wide players and said Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden were not “decisive” as they could be in his first game in charge against Albania.

Tuchel explained that he wanted more “dribbling” and “aggressive runs” and said elements of Rashford and Foden’s performances were “missing” in the 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.

Overall, Tuchel said England “can do better” and “have to better” in future matches after goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane gave England a winning start in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Thomas Tuchel on England win: 'We have to do better'

22:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Thomas Tuchel’s first thoughts after his first game in charge of England, speaking to ITV.

"We can do better, we have to do better. We started well, we had seven-eight minutes with 100 per cent ball possession with a lot of passes and high energy.

" But the opponent is hard to break down as they defend in a deep block In the Euros they managed to not concede chances.

“Second half, I felt we were too slow and in general not enough runs off the ball to get behind the line."

Myles Lewis-Skelly 'lost for words' on England debut

22:11 , Jamie Braidwood

“I am so grateful for the manager to put trust in me. I am so happy. My team-mates put so much trust in me. I’m lost for words,” the 18-year-old says to ITV.

"The fans made me feel at home so thank you to them. It’s incredible [to be behind Owen and Rooney as youngest England scorer], I don’t know what to say.”

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham plan reveals England direction under Thomas Tuchel

22:07 , Miguel Delaney

A first game that was encouraging rather than electrifying, with most of the new excitement offered by Myles Lewis-Skelly rather than any sense of a new era. Thomas Tuchel’s week culminated in the teenager’s night, as he became England football team’s youngest ever debutant goalscorer in this professional 2-0 win over Albania.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham plan reveals England direction under Thomas Tuchel

'Fearless' Lewis-Skelly praised after England debut

21:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Only one way for the reaction to start,it’s England debutant, and goal-scorer, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Declan Rice has had this to say about his performance:

“He is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.

“I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.

“He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him."

FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania

21:44 , Jamie Braidwood

You’ve got to start somewhere. But Thomas Tuchel wins his first game in charge of England. Will be interesting to hear what he made of England’s performance.

FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania

21:40 , Jamie Braidwood

The Thomas Tuchel era is underway with a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley! Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane on the scoresheet.

England 2-0 Albania

21:40 , Jamie Braidwood

90+4 mins: Pickford comes out of his box to make a clearance. He hasn’t had anything to do in the second half, really.

England 2-0 Albania

21:36 , Jamie Braidwood

90+1 mins: We’re into five minutes of added time.

It’s not been a classic. Or, we’ve seen this type of England game before. It’s a World Cup qualifier, England have won, but it’s not been overly entertaining.

England 2-0 Albania

21:35 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: A final change for England and a standing ovation for Myles Lewis-Skelly! The scorer of the opening goal is replaced by Reece James.

England 2-0 Albania

21:32 , Jamie Braidwood

86 mins: That Kane goal has really killed off Albania’s fight.

And a few England fans are looking to get the early Tube back into London.

England 2-0 Albania

21:28 , Jamie Braidwood

82 mins: Back underway. Jordan Henderson is back in an England shirt at Wembley. The former Liverpool captain gets a warm reception.

It wasn’t too long ago that he was booed here after joining a club in Saudi Arabia. He has since moved to Ajax.

England 2-0 Albania

21:27 , Jamie Braidwood

81 mins: The defending from the Albania defender Ajeti was rubbish, as he jumped in for a ball he was never going to win.

Kane said thank you very much as he shrugged him off and found the corner.

There has been a stoppage as Albania’s goalkeeper Strakosha can’t continue.

GOAL! England 2-0 Albania (KANE 77')

21:22 , Jamie Braidwood

WHO ELSE! ANOTHER GOAL FOR KANE!

Oh this is quality from the captain! Out of nothing, he lurks at the back post, brings down Rice’s cross and then steers a finish across goal and into the corner.

70 goals for England - and that is a proper striker’s goal.

England 1-0 Albania

21:21 , Jamie Braidwood

76 mins: There’s a stoppage as Albania goalkeeper Strakosha receives treatment. He came out for the ball and missed as Kane won his header.

England 1-0 Albania

21:19 , Jamie Braidwood

73 mins: Time for the changes at last: Gordon, Bowen and Morgan Rogers are on. They replace Rashford, Foden and Jones.

England’s wingers didn’t really have an impact today. Jones was a bit brighter in midfield.

England 1-0 Albania

21:18 , Jamie Braidwood

71 mins: Bellingham looks to surge forward, with Rashford in support, but Albania win it back.

At the other end, Konsa is required to make a brilliant piece of defending! The ball forward had missed Burn, but Konsa swept up in behind and beat Asllani to the ball!

Albania look more threatening at the moment. England are still waiting to make their changes.

England 1-0 Albania

21:14 , Jamie Braidwood

68 mins: More danger for England! Broja beats Burn for pace for a second time but Walker cleans up in the box, keeping calm despite facing a two-on-one. Jones then shows a clear head to play his way out of danger and get England on the attack.

Broja has lifted Albania.

England 1-0 Albania

21:11 , Jamie Braidwood

65 mins: Almost an impact from Broja! He had the beating of Burn around the outside but Konsa steps acoss and shields it back to Pickford.

Antony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen look to be coming on. I would imagine Foden and Rashford will make way.

England 1-0 Albania

21:09 , Jamie Braidwood

62 mins: Albania make the first change of the match and bring on Armando Broja. It’s stalled England’s momentum.

England 1-0 Albania

21:05 , Jamie Braidwood

60 mins: It’s starting to click a bit more now. Kane finds Jones in space on the right and the Liverpool midfielder looks to find Foden first-time. It’s straight at the defender, though, and Albania clear.

England 1-0 Albania

21:04 , Jamie Braidwood

59 mins: Chance! Rashford takes flight down the left but is stopped by Ajeti. The move is revived by Bellingham, who is persistent. He clips a cross in for Kane, who gets in font of his marker.

Kane heads just past the post. Tuchel applauds. Better from Bellingham.

England 1-0 Albania

21:02 , Jamie Braidwood

57 mins: Now Rashford is penalised - despite not touching Bajrami.

It’s been a very slow start to the second half from England.

England 1-0 Albania

21:00 , Jamie Braidwood

54 mins: Walker is unlucky. He had skipped away from Aliji but is blown up for a foul after raising his boot.

England 1-0 Albania

20:57 , Jamie Braidwood

51 mins: Frustration for Rashford as he looks to be impeded when chasing a pass forward down the left. The referee doesn’t see a foul.

England 1-0 Albania

20:53 , Jamie Braidwood

48 mins: Albania with the first chance of the half. Bajrami works a yard of space and sends in a dangerous cross, but Burn is there to head clear at the back post.

England 1-0 Albania

20:49 , Jamie Braidwood

46 mins: Back underway. Would like to see a bit more from Rashford and Foden in this half but they remain on the pitch after the restart.

HALF TIME! England 1-0 Albania

20:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Bellingham was very close to adding England’s second as he arrived to meet Walker’s cross.

Bellingham has probably been England’s best player so far: he’s enjoying the free role behind Kane.

HALF TIME! England 1-0 Albania

20:34 , Jamie Braidwood

A pretty average performance from England but a fairytale story as Myles Lewis-Skelly gets his name on the scoresheet in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge. He was almost joined by Dan Burn, who hit the bar from a late corner.

England lead at the break.

England 1-0 Albania

20:30 , Jamie Braidwood

42 mins: OFF THE BAR! Dan Burn is so close to joining Myles Lewis-Skelly on the scoresheet. He arrives at the back post to meet Rice’s corner, but crashes the header against the woodwork!

England 1-0 Albania

20:28 , Jamie Braidwood

40 mins: CLOSE! How is that not two! Great play from Walker, getting outside his full-back down the right. He hooks a cross back into the box and Bellingham arrives. His header is saved, and then Kane’s follow-up is somehow deflected over the bar!

England 1-0 Albania

20:27 , Jamie Braidwood

38 mins: Foden and Rashford gave probably been the quietest in terms of time on the ball for England so far. Rice, Bellingham and Jones are seeing plenty of it.

England 1-0 Albania

20:25 , Jamie Braidwood

34 mins: Albania have been able to spring forward a couple of times in the last five minutes or so. Pickford is required to come off his line and sweep up.

England 1-0 Albania

20:20 , Jamie Braidwood

30 mins: A fairytale opener may settle England down, but Albania have responded well. Rice is required to sweep up in defence. The game hasn’t quite returned to the same pattern as before Lewis-Skelly’s goal.

England 1-0 Albania

20:16 , Jamie Braidwood

27 mins: A first sign of danger at the other end. Burn is required to make a block, with the ball looping up awkwardly and landing on top of the bar. It almost caught Pickford out but Burn has to head clear.

England 1-0 Albania

20:15 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: Lewis-Skelly, at 18, is the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut.

England 1-0 Albania

20:12 , Miguel Delaney

23 mins: Take-off for Tuchel, and especially Myles Lewis-Skelly. A great moment, a lovely goal, and a divine pass. The teenage debutant was rewarded for the bravery of his run, by an utterly brilliant through ball from Bellingham. It has significantly elevated what had been an encouraging if not electric opening 20 minutes of Tuchel's time in charge.

England 1-0 Albania

20:12 , Jamie Braidwood

22 mins: He only made his Arsenal debut in September. Now Myles Lewis-Skelly is an England goalscorer!

Beautiful.

GOAL! England 1-0 Albania (LEWIS-SKELLY 20')

20:07 , Jamie Braidwood

IT’S A DREAM GOAL FOR THE TEENAGE DEBUTANT! AMAZING!

What a moment for Myles Lewis-Skelly! It’s a brilliant ball through from Bellingham to find the left back’s run, and the Arsenal star finds the finish through the goalkeeper’s legs! He’s clearly emotional as he is mobbed by his team-mates in the corner!

Tuchel punches his fist!

England 0-0 Albania

20:05 , Jamie Braidwood

16 mins: Almost a chance for England! Kane bounces through the challenges and breaks into the box, keeping the ball close. But Albania’s goalkeeper Strakosha comes off his line and claims before Kane can try and finish.

England 0-0 Albania

20:04 , Miguel Delaney

14 mins: After all that, it's ultimately just a dull World Cup qualifier.

England 0-0 Albania

20:02 , Jamie Braidwood

13 mins: A touch for Jones in the box, but pinned onto the byline. He almost wriggles through to set up Kane but Albania clear.

England 0-0 Albania

20:01 , Jamie Braidwood

12 mins: Dan Burn wins a bullet header on the halfway line, after Albania went long. It almost leads to an England chance as Kane, dropping deep, spins a ball towards Rashford. It runs a touch too long and Albania clear.

England 0-0 Albania

19:59 , Jamie Braidwood

11 mins: A first proper touch for Rashford, but he can’t find Bellingham with the pull-back.

Rashford goes again but there’s no room in the box and England’s move breaks down. Walker quickly regains it and England start again.

England 0-0 Albania

19:58 , Jamie Braidwood

10 mins: Lewis-Skelly passes his first little defensive test, as he scampers back to cut out the pass from Asani and draws a foul facing his own goal.

England 0-0 Albania

19:55 , Jamie Braidwood

7 mins: I think we’ve all seen England games at Wembley where they dominate the ball as the opposition sit deep... and very little happens. Let’s see if Tuchel’s England can find a way through because Albania have everyone positioned behind the ball.

A long switch to Foden goes out of play.

England 0-0 Albania

19:53 , Jamie Braidwood

4 mins: After a period of two to three minutes on the ball, Walker clips a pass to Bellingham, who breaks into the box. It almost falls to the Real Madrid star but Albania clear.

England 0-0 Albania

19:51 , Jamie Braidwood

2 mins: Plenty of early touches for the England midfield, with Jones, Rice and Bellingham seeing lots of it. Albania are very deep. Foden and Rashford are staying wide, and Kane is keeping clear on the edge of the box.

England 0-0 Albania

19:49 , Jamie Braidwood

1 min: Albania are no mugs. They scored after just 30 seconds against Italy at the Euros. Fortunately for Tuchel, England have avoided that at Wembley. Pickford takes an early free kick long.

KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Albania

19:47 , Jamie Braidwood

We are underway at Wembley! The Thomas Tuchel era has started.

England vs Albania

19:44 , Jamie Braidwood

A banner behind one of the goals reads:

“Welcome to the home of football, Thomas”.

England vs Albania team news and how to watch

19:43 , Jamie Braidwood

England XI: Pickford, Walker, Konsa, Burn, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Bellingham, Jones; Foden, Kane, Rashford

Subs: D Henderson,Trafford, James, Guehi, J Henderson, Colwill, Eze, Rogers,Gordon, Solanke, Bowen, Livramento.

England vs Albania will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV X

Thomas Tuchel explains his first England team and describes his emotions

19:42 , Jamie Braidwood

"Big occasion. I'm a bit nervous, but more excited and happy we get the journey going.

"It was a simple decision to bring [Dan Burn] in. He had that huge final and impact here a few days ago. We didn't wasnt to disrupt his wave. We opted for Dan and he was impressive in training and vocal.

"It felt like his 50th cap and not his first one.

Impressive. I understand why everyone loves the boy [Myles Lewis-Skelly] - a big character and very talented player. He is ready to go."

England vs Albania

19:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go! Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge is just moments away. Tuchel will observe the anthems, which are next.

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