Albania vs England — Match Preview
Under the lights of Tirana, Albania host England in a World Cup Qualifier that carries massive weight for both sides. Albania come into this clash with perfect momentum — five wins on the bounce and one of the best defensive records of the group. England, meanwhile, arrive as outright favourites, unbeaten, untouched, and unchallenged so far in qualifying with seven clean sheets in seven games.
This is the kind of matchup where quality, discipline, and nerves decide everything. Albania believe they can shock the giants at home; England simply want to finish the job and secure top spot with authority.
Albania vs England — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Albania vs England
- Competition: World Cup Qualifiers (UEFA Group K)
- Venue: Air Albania Stadium (Capacity: 22,500)
- Date: 16 November 2025
- Referee: Marco Guida (Italy)
- Prediction: England 2–0 Albania
- Key Narrative: Albania’s momentum vs England’s elite defensive perfection.
Albania vs England — What’s at Stake
Albania: A result keeps them firmly in the qualification fight and strengthens their top-two claim. Winning here would be historic — and instantly redefine expectations.
England: A victory secures control of the group. England haven’t conceded a single goal in qualifying, and maintaining that streak is a matter of pride and dominance.
Summary: Albania chase belief. England chase perfection.
Albania vs England — Team Form
🔴 Albania Form (Last 5): W-W-W-W-W
- Exceptional defensive discipline
- High confidence at home
- Compact structure that frustrates opponents
🔵 England Form (Last 5): W-W-W-W-W
- Zero goals conceded in qualifiers
- Fluid attack despite key injuries
- Complete control of possession
Summary: Two in-form teams — but England’s ceiling is simply higher.
Albania vs England — Team News
Albania — Team News
- No major injuries except long-term absences already known.
- Squad stable, chemistry strong.
Team News Summary: Albania enter with their best available XI and strong cohesion.
England — Team News
- Anthony Gordon — OUT
- Marc Guéhi — OUT
- Nick Pope — OUT
- Several rotations expected, but depth is never an England problem.
Team News Summary: England lose some starters, but replacements maintain quality without drop-off.
Albania vs England — Predicted Lineups
Albania Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Strakosha — Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj — Shehu, Asllani — Broja, Laci, Hoxha — Daku
England Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Henderson — Spence, Konsa, Burn, O’Reilly — Henderson, Wharton — Bowen, Foden, Eze — Watkins
Albania vs England — Spotlight Players
Albania
- Armando Broja — Target man, counter threat, biggest scoring hope.
- Kristjan Asllani — Controls transitions and tempo.
- Berat Djimsiti — Defensive anchor against England’s forward line.
England
- Phil Foden — The creative engine.
- Ollie Watkins — Movement, pace, finishing threat.
- Eberechi Eze — Dribbling and ball progression in tight spaces.
Summary: England’s individual quality dwarfs Albania’s, but Broja can change moments.
Albania vs England — Tactical Outlook
Albania Tactical Plan
- Ultra-compact block
- Double pivot screening England’s midfield
- Long balls + Broja as target
- Heavy reliance on counters
England Tactical Plan
- Full possession control
- Overloads with Foden and Eze
- Pressing to force mistakes
- Rotational wide attacks
Explanation: Albania will suffer without the ball. England will dictate everything.
Albania vs England — Key Battles
| Matchup | Focus | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Djimsiti vs Watkins | Physical duels, box control | England |
| Asllani vs Wharton | Midfield control | England |
| Broja vs Burn | Counters & pace | Balanced |
Why it matters: If Albania lose midfield control, the game is finished early.
Albania vs England — Statistical Snapshot
| Metric | Albania | England |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per Game | 1.0 | 2.9 |
| Goals Conceded | 3 total | 0 total |
| Clean Sheets | 5 | 7 |
| Possession | 56% | 75% |
| Shots per Game | ~10 | ~16 |
Summary: England dominate every metric — especially defensive numbers.
Albania vs England — Fan Reactions
Albanian Fans
- “We can win at home — why not?”
- “Defence must be perfect.”
England Fans
- “Routine win.”
- “Another clean sheet.”
- “Foden masterclass incoming.”
Fans expect:
- Low scoring
- Tight first half
- England control
- Albania defending deep
Albania vs England — Where to Watch
- JioTV (India)
- Sony LIV (India)
- Sony TEN 2 (India)
- RTVE Play (Spain)
- Viaplay (Nordics)
- ESPN (Argentina, Colombia, Peru)
Albania vs England — Prediction
Predicted Score: England 2–0 Albania
Why England Win
- Best defensive record in Europe
- Massive possession advantage
- Albania struggle vs high pressing
- England’s attack will eventually break the block
- Albania rarely score against top-10 nations
Explanation: Albania are in great form but England are simply on another tier.
Albania vs England — Match-Deciding Factors
- First goal — England always score first
- Foden’s influence between lines
- Albania’s ability (or failure) to counter
- England’s defensive structure
- Tempo control in midfield
Albania vs England — Final Word
Tirana will be loud and full of belief — but belief alone doesn’t beat elite structure. Albania are brave, organised, and improving rapidly, yet England arrive with world-class consistency and a tactical identity too polished to slip in qualifiers. Expect effort from Albania, control from England, and a professional performance from a side that simply knows how to win these nights.
Albania vs England — FAQs
Q1. What time does Albania vs England kick off?
A: 16 November 2025 at 17:00 UTC.
Q2. Where is the match being played?
A: Air Albania Stadium, Tirana (Capacity: 22,500).
Q3. Who is the favourite to win?
A: England, due to superior squad depth, perfect qualifying form, and seven clean sheets.
Q4. Will both teams score?
A: Unlikely — England have not conceded in 7 qualifiers.
Q5. What is the predicted scoreline?
A: England 2–0 Albania (based on defensive metrics and head-to-head history).
Q6. Key players to watch?
A:
• Albania: Armando Broja (pace, 1v1 threat)
• England: Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze
Q8. Recent form comparison?
A: Both teams are on five straight wins, but England’s offensive/defensive balance is much stronger.
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