Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Signing off their World Cup qualifying romp on Sunday evening, a high-flying England will travel to Albania.
Albania
Starting with the hosts, already wrapping up a silver medal finish in Group K, Albania have enjoyed a stellar qualifying romp this year. While the Three Lions might steal plenty of Sunday’s attention, Sylvinho’s camp deserved a host of plaudits. Overcoming Serbia and breaking plenty of recent records, the Red and Blacks should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Last seen marking their return to qualifying action with a crucial 1-0 victory away at Andorra, the former Lyon boss has seen his squad win all of their previous three consecutive Group K appearances by a 1-0 scoreline. Despite getting their qualifying adventure underway with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of England back on March 21st, Albania have gained a reputation for their rugged defensive success.
Albania Team News
Bagging the winner away at Andorra earlier in the week, Torino starlet Kristjan Asllani will start in the muddle of the park on Sunday evening and earn a 38th international cap. Although Elseid Hysaj might not have made a single appearance for Italian giants Lazio since the start of October, the 31-year-old will start at right-back.
Despite struggling to find his feet after completing a permanent switch from Chelsea over the summer, Burnley striker Armando Broja will lead Albania’s charge. Securing move Brentford last year, AEK Athens shot-stopper Thomas Strakosha will start between the sticks.
England
As for the visitors, putting in another dominant display earlier in the week as they secured a 2-0 victory at home against Serbia, England are certainly enjoying life under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance. Really clicking into gear, the Three Lions have already cruised their way to top spot in Group K and they have made a real statement. Getting their World Cup qualifying adventure underway with another 2-0 win against Albania on March 21st, the former Chelsea boss has seen his superstar squad win all of their seven Group K appearances by an aggregate score of 20-0. Arriving in North America next year with their sights set on clinching a first piece of international silverware since way back in 1966, England have also gained a reputation for their continued dominance at the back. Yet to concede a single qualifying strike this year, the Three Lions have also not shipped a competitive strike since October 2024.
England Team News
While Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham might have been forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Serbia in midweek, the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace could be handed a full recall. Despite picking up a first-half knock on Thursday night, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will start between the sticks.
Enjoying a record-breaking start to the new campaign and already registering six goals in his seven qualifying appearances, Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane will be looking to extend on his Group K romp. Both impressing off the bench in midweek, Arsenal star Eberechi Eze and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden could feature from the start.
Albania vs England Key Factors to Consider
- When Albania and England met for their reverse Group K showdown on March 21st, the Three Lions collected a 2-0 victory at Wembley.
- England have won all of their seven World Cup qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 20-0.
- Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane has registered six goals in his seven qualifying appearances this year.
- Albania have won each of their last three consecutive Group K matchups by a 1-0 scoreline.
- England have not shipped a competitive strike across any competition since October 2024.
Conclusion
Signing off their Group K adventure on Sunday evening, England will simply be looking to extend on their recent dominant run. Winning all of their seven qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 20-0, Tuchel’s superstar squad have also gained a reputation for their dominant defensive displays. Not shipping a single competitive strike since October 2024, the Three Lions are rightfully installed as a landslide favourite here. However, with Albania shipping just a single strike in any of their previous five Group K showdowns, chances could come at a premium.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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