
Albania host England in their World Cup qualifier tonight.
Gareth Southgate’s side are looking to maintain their winning start after England defeated San Marino 5-0.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the way, scoring twice along with goals from James Ward-Prowse, Raheem Sterling and Ollie Watkins to secure the win.
Albania defeated Andorra 1-0 in their opening qualifier. Gareth Southgate has reiterated how delighted he is to see the Three Lions “hungry” for success: "The whole team were hungry to play. Sometimes these games have been stodgy for us in the past but this team can play slightly differently, we have some creative players who can open teams up. A lot of those chances were created by the good pressing and winning the ball high up the pitch.
“But also some of the interchange of position and the vision of players. If we were to be ultra-critical, we probably should have scored more but we also have to say their goalkeeper had an absolutely fantastic game. I was very pleased because the behaviours and habits we showed, to be a top team we have to show those every day, in every training session, and every match and today we respected the game and went about it the right way."
Read more:
- Eddie Hearn reveals plan for Dillian Whyte’s next fight after Alexander Povetkin knockout
- West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen apologises for old tweet using ‘N-word’
- Lewis Hamilton returns amid uncertainty as Max Verstappen bids to end dynasty
- Should football boycott the Qatar World Cup?
- How Ollie Watkins epitomises England’s identity under Gareth Southgate
Here’s everything you need to know about the match:
When is it?
The fixture will kick-off at 5pm at the Arena Kombetare.
How can I watch it?
The match is live on ITV1 with coverage starting from 4:10pm.
Line-ups
Albania: Berisha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Veseli; Laci, Bare, Memolla; Uzuni, Cikalleshi, Broja
England: Pope; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Kalvin Phillips; Foden, Mount, Sterling; Kane
Odds:
Albania: 11/1
Draw: 4/1
England: 2/7
Prediction:
With the likes of Kane returning, England should have far too much power. Albania are a stubborn team though, so it might not be pretty. 2-0 England.