New England head coach Thomas Tuchel got his reign under way with a scrappy win over Albania in a World Cup 2026 qualifier at Wembley.
Tuchel promised to bring back excitement after succeeding Gareth Southgate – but it was in short supply as the Three Lions struggled for fluency against the ultra-cautious visitors on Friday.
One player to impress was Arsenal’s gifted teenage full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, who marked a dream debut by scoring the first goal of the German coach’s era – sliding home a composed finish from Jude Bellingham’s perfect pass after 20 minutes.
It made Lewis-Skelly the youngest player to score on his senior England bow – aged 18 years and 176 days – beating Marcus Rashford’s previous record, set against Australia in May 2016, by 33 days.
Tuchel also gave a first cap to Newcastle defender Dan Burn, 32, and the goal hero from Sunday’s Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool was almost on target again at Wembley as he headed against the bar in the first half.
Albania posed more of a threat after the break, with Ezri Konsa doing superbly to deny Jasir Asani who was racing in towards keeper Jordan Pickford.
But England responded instantly and put the game to bed in the 77th minute, with captain Harry Kane scoring his 70th goal in 104 international appearances from close range to seal a satisfactory opening night for Tuchel.
Solid, if unspectacular – but Tuchel will take first win
Tuchel will undoubtedly be pleased to get off to a winning start, but the thrills and intensity he expects to provide must wait for another day.
Albania came to Wembley with the sole aim of frustrating England, a ploy that worked for long periods – but was effectively doomed to failure once Lewis-Skelly gave the hosts an early lead.
That was the highlight of a solid, unspectacular Three Lions display, and the ease with which the Arsenal youngster settled on his senior international debut is a signpost to a potentially glittering future for club and country.
Tougher tests will lie ahead, but Tuchel has a wonderful young talent on his hands.
Kane made his customary contribution with the goal that sealed England’s win, while Marcus Rashford showed flashes on his recall after a year in the wilderness, especially in his link with Bellingham, without providing end product.
It was, though, a disappointing night for Manchester City’s Phil Foden, deployed on the right flank but unable to make any real impact before he was replaced late on.
For Tuchel, this was about getting a first win on the board while gathering further information on the players he has inherited, and those he has brought in, before England face Latvia at this ground on Monday.
Composed & fearless Lewis-Skelly stars on debut
Lewis-Skelly has looked comfortable with every challenge placed in front of him at Arsenal this season, with only moments of indiscipline casting a cloud over the glorious fearlessness of youth that characterises his approach.
And it was no different when Tuchel thrust him into a full England debut.
If Lewis-Skelly felt any tension or pressure, it was impossible to detect as he cruised through this victory.
As well as opening the scoring, Lewis-Skelly was composed on the ball, made key interceptions and fully deserved the standing ovation from the England fans – and hug he received from Tuchel – when he was taken off in the closing moments.
All eyes were understandably on Tuchel in his first game, but Lewis-Skelly proved to be England’s star turn after winning a senior cap that will be the first of many.
