Harry Kane scored twice as England completed a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, beating Albania to secure eight wins and eight clean sheets in Group K.
England ended their World Cup qualifying journey with another composed performance, beating Albania 2-0 in Tirana. Harry Kane struck twice in the second half to secure eight wins from eight for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The victory also confirmed a historic defensive record, with England finishing the campaign without conceding a goal.
Tuchel named a heavily rotated XI but England still controlled most of the match. Debutant Jarell Quansah started at right back, while Jude Bellingham returned to the lineup for his first start since June. Despite the changes, England were measured and patient in possession.
The first half lacked clear chances, with England managing just 0.29 expected goals. Albania threatened on the counter and went closest early in the second half when Arber Hoxha forced Dean Henderson into two important saves. Those stops kept England’s perfect defensive record alive.
Tuchel made attacking changes just after the hour, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. Their introduction immediately increased England’s tempo and pushed Albania deeper.
Henderson’s saves came at the perfect moments and set the stage for England’s late push. Kane then delivered when it mattered most. Saka’s 74th-minute corner took a touch at the near post and dropped for the England captain to poke home from close range.
Eight minutes later, Marcus Rashford, also off the bench, supplied a superb cross from deep on the left. Kane timed his run and planted a precise header into the bottom corner for his 82nd-minute second. The brace moved his international tally to 78 goals.
Bellingham impressed on his return despite one missed chance, while Quansah looked composed on debut. England’s substitutes again made the difference, continuing a pattern under Tuchel.
England’s back line dominated the ball, with Dan Burn recording 114 touches. The team finished the campaign with 22 goals scored and none conceded, becoming the first European side to win at least six qualifiers without letting in a goal.
England have now won 10 straight competitive matches without conceding, equalling a European record. Kane also extended his remarkable scoring run against Albania, taking his total against them to seven.
England now shift their focus to preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with the draw set for December 5. Tuchel will have several selection decisions to consider when the squad reconvenes in March.
As for the qualification campaign, England can take confidence from a perfect record built on control, tactical clarity and the ability to change games from the bench. With Kane in relentless form, they head toward North America as one of the favourites.
