England kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign under new manager Thomas Tuchel, when they welcome Albania with expectations sky-high following their dominant run in the Nations League.
The Three Lions stormed back into League A with a perfect record in their group, capping it off with a commanding 5-0 win over Ireland. After falling short in the Euro 2024 semifinals, England are determined to put that heartbreak behind them, and Tuchel has wasted no time setting ambitious goals.
STREAM:England vs. Albania LIVE on Fubo in the US (free trial)
Albania, meanwhile, come into this clash desperate for a turnaround after a tough stretch in international play. Despite their historic qualification for Euro 2024, Sylvinho’s squad have struggled, failing to win a match at the tournament and then suffering relegation from Nations League B.
They’ve managed just two victories in their last 11 competitive matches, and facing England at Wembley is an uphill battle.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
England vs. Albania live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup qualifying match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: Fubo
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
WATCH:World Cup qualifying games LIVE on Fubo (free trial)
What time does England vs. Albania kick off?
This World Cup qualifying clash takes place at the Wembley Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Friday, March 21 at 7:45 p.m. local time (GMT).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
Date Kickoff time
Eastern Time Fri, Mar. 21 3:45 p.m.
Central Time Fri, Mar. 21 2:45 p.m.
Mountain Time Fri, Mar. 21 1:45 p.m.
Pacific Time Fri, Mar. 21 12:45 p.m.
England vs. Albania lineups, team news
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad has already raised eyebrows, with surprise recalls and fresh faces set to make their mark. Jordan Henderson’s inclusion was the biggest shock, while Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been handed their first call-ups. In defence, Reece James returns from injury.
The midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden is as strong as any in world football, though concerns remain over a lack of defensive depth. In attack, Harry Kane leads the line, flanked by Jarrod Bowen—with Bukayo Saka sidelined—and Marcus Rashford, who has regained form since his January loan move to Aston Villa.
England predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pickford (GK) — James, Guehi, Burn, Skelly; Rice, Bellingham; Bowen, Foden, Rashford — Kane.
Injured: Saka
Suspended: None
Albania have named a mixed squad of experience and emerging talent, with Armando Broja included despite his injury struggles since joining Everton on loan. Atalanta’s defensive leader Berat Djimsiti returns as he continues to shine in Serie A, while Thomas Strakosha is set to start in goal despite limited game time at AEK Athens.
However, one of the biggest surprises is the omission of Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani, with Sylvinho opting for other midfield options instead.
Albania predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Strakosha (GK) — Balliu, Ismaijli, Ajeti, Aliji — Laci, Ramadani, Asllani — Asani, Broja, Uzuni.
Injured: Mitaj, Hysaj, Bare, Daku, Seferi, Mehmeti
Suspended: None
World Cup Qualifiers schedule this week
All times in ET
Friday, March 21
Cyprus vs. San Marino (1:00 p.m.)
Malta vs. Finland (3:45 p.m.)
Poland vs. Lithuania (3:45 p.m.)
Romania vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (3:45 p.m.)
Andorra vs. Latvia (3:45 p.m.)
England vs. Albania (3:45 p.m.)
Saturday, March 22
Liechtenstein vs. North Macedonia (10:00 a.m.)
Moldova vs. Norway (1:00 p.m.)
Montenegro vs. Gibraltar (1:00 p.m.)
Israel vs. Estonia (3:45 p.m.)
Wales vs. Kazakhstan (3:45 p.m.)
Czech Republic vs. Faroe Islands (3:45 p.m.)
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The Three Lions stormed back into League A with a perfect record in their group, capping it off with a commanding 5-0 win over Ireland. After falling short in the Euro 2024 semifinals, England are determined to put that heartbreak behind them, and Tuchel has wasted no time setting ambitious goals.
STREAM:England vs. Albania LIVE on Fubo in the US (free trial)
Albania, meanwhile, come into this clash desperate for a turnaround after a tough stretch in international play. Despite their historic qualification for Euro 2024, Sylvinho’s squad have struggled, failing to win a match at the tournament and then suffering relegation from Nations League B.
They’ve managed just two victories in their last 11 competitive matches, and facing England at Wembley is an uphill battle.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
England vs. Albania live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup qualifying match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: Fubo
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
WATCH:World Cup qualifying games LIVE on Fubo (free trial)
What time does England vs. Albania kick off?
This World Cup qualifying clash takes place at the Wembley Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Friday, March 21 at 7:45 p.m. local time (GMT).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
Date Kickoff time
Eastern Time Fri, Mar. 21 3:45 p.m.
Central Time Fri, Mar. 21 2:45 p.m.
Mountain Time Fri, Mar. 21 1:45 p.m.
Pacific Time Fri, Mar. 21 12:45 p.m.
England vs. Albania lineups, team news
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad has already raised eyebrows, with surprise recalls and fresh faces set to make their mark. Jordan Henderson’s inclusion was the biggest shock, while Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been handed their first call-ups. In defence, Reece James returns from injury.
The midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden is as strong as any in world football, though concerns remain over a lack of defensive depth. In attack, Harry Kane leads the line, flanked by Jarrod Bowen—with Bukayo Saka sidelined—and Marcus Rashford, who has regained form since his January loan move to Aston Villa.
England predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pickford (GK) — James, Guehi, Burn, Skelly; Rice, Bellingham; Bowen, Foden, Rashford — Kane.
Injured: Saka
Suspended: None
Albania have named a mixed squad of experience and emerging talent, with Armando Broja included despite his injury struggles since joining Everton on loan. Atalanta’s defensive leader Berat Djimsiti returns as he continues to shine in Serie A, while Thomas Strakosha is set to start in goal despite limited game time at AEK Athens.
However, one of the biggest surprises is the omission of Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani, with Sylvinho opting for other midfield options instead.
Albania predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Strakosha (GK) — Balliu, Ismaijli, Ajeti, Aliji — Laci, Ramadani, Asllani — Asani, Broja, Uzuni.
Injured: Mitaj, Hysaj, Bare, Daku, Seferi, Mehmeti
Suspended: None
World Cup Qualifiers schedule this week
All times in ET
Friday, March 21
Cyprus vs. San Marino (1:00 p.m.)
Malta vs. Finland (3:45 p.m.)
Poland vs. Lithuania (3:45 p.m.)
Romania vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (3:45 p.m.)
Andorra vs. Latvia (3:45 p.m.)
England vs. Albania (3:45 p.m.)
Saturday, March 22
Liechtenstein vs. North Macedonia (10:00 a.m.)
Moldova vs. Norway (1:00 p.m.)
Montenegro vs. Gibraltar (1:00 p.m.)
Israel vs. Estonia (3:45 p.m.)
Wales vs. Kazakhstan (3:45 p.m.)
Czech Republic vs. Faroe Islands (3:45 p.m.)
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