Date: Sunday, 16 November
Venue: Air Albania Stadium, Tirana
Kick-off: 5:00pm GMT
England arrive in Tirana aiming to keep their 100% record intact, while Albania chase a result that could prove pivotal in the fight for second place in Group K. With the hosts likely to sit compact and counter through Broja and Uzuni, this shapes as a patience test for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Head-to-Head & Form Snapshot
- England have won the last five meetings without conceding.
- Albania’s recent run (D-W-W-W-W) includes a critical victory in Serbia.
- England’s qualifiers have been ruthless: six wins from six, clean sheets across the lot.
Likely Set-Up
Albania (4-3-3): Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Laci, Asllani, Shehu; Broja, Uzuni, Manaj.
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Foden, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Expect England to press high and dominate territory, with Rice dictating tempo and Bellingham drifting between lines. Albania will compress central spaces and look to spring Broja early in transitions.
Betting Tips
Odds are guide prices; always check the latest before placing a bet.
- England Win to Nil – around 1.95
England’s defensive record in qualifying plus Albania’s counter-first approach makes this the sensible play. - Under 2.5 Goals – around 1.85
England tend to manage these away qualifiers efficiently rather than chaotically. - Harry Kane Anytime Scorer – around 2.10
On penalties and in supreme club form — the most consistent route to an England goal.
Value Angle: England & Under 3.5 Goals (Bet Builder) – around 2.20
Covers the 0-1/0-2/0-3 scorelines that fit the matchup.
Correct Score Lean: Albania 0–2 England (guide 5.50–6.00)
Prediction: England to control phases, limit Albanian entries, and win with minimal fuss.
Best Bet: England Win to Nil.
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