Albania who were in good form going into this game – unbeaten in their last eight games, had a good chance of getting some points against England but Harry Lane’s second half brace secured all three points for England.
Although the three Lions had already qualified for the World Cup next summer, today’s win puts England as the only European team to have played at least six qualifier matches and win all without conceding.
Match Summary
England dominated the game from the first whistle as they tried to create something in the first minute but Albanian, Betsy Djimsiti was there to intercept a cross towards their box, Elseid Hysaj then relieved the pressure with a clearance. England still returned with another wonderful effort by Declan Rice but the goalkeeper was there to make a save.
The visitors kept control of the ball with 66% ball possession but were unlucky to have missed a great opportunity in the 17th minute when another effort from Declan Rice was fired wide. They still increased the pressure with the possession now rising to 77% but Albania had a moment of luck when a shot by Arber Hoxha was blocked by John Stones just 3 minutes to halftime. The scoreline remained level by halftime after a series of attacks from both sides in the final minutes of the first half.
The resumed for the second half with Albania getting the first attempt at goal when Ivan Balliu created a goal scoring opportunity for Qazim Laci whose shot on target was saved by the goalkeeper. The hosts looked dangerous again shortly afterward when Arber Hoxha made another attempt from outside the box, but Dean Henderson was able to bring it under control.
After a series of failed attempts by England, they got the breakthrough in the 74th minute through forward Harry Kane who tapped the ball into an open goal with his right foot. Jude Bellingham then picked up the second yellow card for England for a foul on Armando Broja.
2 minutes later, Kane extended the lead for England, heading home a cross by substitute Marcus Rashford. With just 8 minutes of regular playing time left, England kept possession and Kane came close to hat-trick in the final minute of stoppage time but failed to find the target from outside the box.
Upcoming fixtures
England who has qualified for the World Cup next year are not certain of who they will meet as the fixtures are yet to be released.
