Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as England defeated Albania 2-0 in their final World Cup qualifier to complete a flawless season with eight wins from eight games.
The Three Lions, who had already qualified as group winners, became the first European team to navigate a qualifying group of six or more matches by winning every match without conceding a goal.
Kane seals double perfect qualifying campaign for England
Manager Thomas Tuchel made seven changes to the team that defeated Serbia on Thursday. As a result, his experimental line-up struggled to find its rhythm against a resilient Albanian side. Despite the win, it was not a vintage performance. The team also made use of tactical adjustments, such as John Stones moving into midfield when in possession.
Albania remained undefeated in their previous eight matches. In fact, they missed a clear chance to take the lead, but Arber Hoxha fired straight at Dean Henderson after a quick counter-attack.
England had their own chances. Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Bowen and substitute Bukayo Saka, for example, all came close. However, the breakthrough only came in the 74th minute. It came when Kane bundled Saka’s corner over the line from close range.
Well played, guys! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GIUmOgDemI
— England (@England) November 16, 2025
Kane, who took his international tally to 78 goals, sealed the 2-0 victory eight minutes later. He powerfully headed in an excellent cross from fellow substitute Marcus Rashford.
The match also marked a debut for Jarell Quansah. He is only the seventh player to earn a first cap under Tuchel. In addition, Jude Bellingham saw his first start for England since June after a shoulder injury. He now competes with the in-form Morgan Rogers for the No. 10 role.
Ultimately, the win once again highlighted Tuchel’s decisive management of the game. Just as substitutes Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden scored a goal together against Serbia, this match had a similar impact.
100% & 0 – England (8 matches) become the second European team to win 100% of their matches in a FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding, after Yugoslavia in 1954 FIFA World Cup qualifying (4 matches). Perfection. pic.twitter.com/oAHbMNGCFn
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 16, 2025
This time the introductions of Saka and Rashford provided the assists for Kane. This tactical trait has impressed fans, especially in contrast to criticism of exiting tournaments with slim margins under former manager Gareth Southgate.
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