Harry Kane struck twice in the second half as England beat Albania 2-0 to finish their World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten and without conceding.
England closed out their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Albania, thanks to a second-half brace from Harry Kane, according to a report from SKY SPORTS. The win in Tirana ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side remained unbeaten in Group K and finished without conceding a single goal.
England struggled for fluency throughout the first half, producing their lowest expected goals figure of the Tuchel era at 0.29 xG. Albania posed the greater threat before the break, forcing Dean Henderson into three saves — matching Jordan Pickford’s total across England’s previous seven qualifiers. Arber Hoxha came closest to ending England’s perfect defensive record, but Henderson produced a diving stop to deny him.
The game shifted after the hour mark. Bukayo Saka replaced Eberechi Eze and his deflected corner fell kindly for Kane, who poked in the opener in the 74th minute. Shortly after, Marcus Rashford — introduced for Jarrod Bowen — delivered a precise cross that Kane headed into the bottom corner to seal the result.
Despite securing qualification early, England’s display raised questions for Tuchel, with Jude Bellingham underwhelming on his first start since June and the defence appearing vulnerable at times.
The 2026 World Cup draw will take place on December 5 in Washington, with President Trump joining FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ceremony.