England expects in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge
Thomas Tuchel takes charge of England for the first time when they host Albania at Wembley Stadium on Friday in the Three Lions first 2026 World Cup qualifier.
England have lost only two of their last 15 matches in all competitions but one of those defeats really was a significant one, the 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. That defeat signalled the end of Gareth Southgate’s tenure and now Tuchel takes up the reins with England currently 7/1 fourth favourites with sportsbook CopyBet to win next year’s World Cup.
Expectation is high among England fans and Tuchel will be keen to hit the ground running in a group which, on paper at least, they should dominate. Captain and centre forward Harry Kane is still scoring goals for fun at Bayern Munich, with 35 to his name this season alone. While star midfielder Jude Bellingham is at the heart of everything that’s good about Real Madrid as they bid to defend their Champions League crown.
Albania’s form coming into this fixture is mixed at best, with two wins and five defeats in their last nine games. Sylvinho’s side have never beaten England in their four previous meetings and in fact Albania have only registered one goal in those four games. Were they to win at Wembley on Friday night, at odds of 13/1, it would rank as a major surprise.
England are heavy odds on favourites for the win, priced up at 1/8 by CopyBet. The draw is 5/1 and Harry Kane to net first is 11/5. A resounding victory in Tuchel’s opening game in charge is widely expected and England to win to nil is 4/7.
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