This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. Gamble Aware 18+
Albania host England in the last match of both teams' World Cup qualifiers. This match has nothing riding on it for either team, with England having already qualified for next year’s World Cup and Albania already guaranteeing themself a second-place finish and a place in the play-offs.
The two prepared for this game, winning on Thursday evening, with England prevailing over Serbia 2-0, and Albania over Andorra 1-0. Last time the two played, England won 2-0 at Wembley, and Thomas Tuchel will be aiming for his boys to do the same.
Albania vs England key information
• Date: Sunday, November 16
• Kick-off time: 5pm GMT
• Venue: Arena Kombetare, Tirana
• Referee: TBC
• VAR: TBC
• TV channels: ITV1 (UK)
• Odds: ALB (6/1) - DRAW (10/3) - ENG (4/9)
Albania team news
Kristjan Asllani's winner against Andorra was enough to see Albania qualify for the World Cup playoffs. This will mark the country’s first-ever appearance in the playoffs and the closest they have ever come to qualifying for FIFA’s showpiece event.
Albania managed to make it through unscathed against Andorra, so will have a fully fit squad to choose from. Burnley’s Armando Broja is a mainstay for his national team and will be expected to start against England. Lazio right-back Elseid Hysaj became Albania's most capped men's player last month and will be looking to get his 96th cap against the Three Lions.
Albania predicted lineup v England
Coach: Sylvinho
Strakosha; Mitaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Hysaj; Laci, Asllani, Sheuhu; Hoxha, Manaj, Broja.
England team news
Thomas Tuchel was praised a lot by the media for being brave and sticking to his guns with his selection for England’s game against Serbia. The coach has always said that the players who have performed for him previously keep the shirt, and starting with Morgan Rogers over the returning Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden proved that.
With qualification already being assured prior to these qualifiers taking place, the question of rotation now comes into play. Will Tuchel let some of the fringe players play against Albania, or will he keep the momentum going with his first team choices as of late? You have to believe he will stick with the same, if not a very similar, team that played against Serbia.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott was omitted from the 23-man squad to play Serbia, but could be in contention to make the squad this time. An assessment will also be made on Marc Guehi as to whether he can travel to Albania to be with the squad or will return to Crystal Palace to continue his treatment for injury.
England predicted lineup v Albania
Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Rogers, Rashford; Kane.
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
The game between Albania and England will be shown live on ITV1 in England and STV in Scotland. Both TV channels are available free to all viewers in the UK, and the match will also be streamed live on ITVX and STV Player.
Head-to-Head record
England and Albania met at the beginning of the year, where England won 2-0 with goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane. That was the seventh time the two teams have met across the years, and they have all been in World Cup qualifying.
The first meeting was back in 1989, and England have won every game, scoring 21 in those seven and only conceding once.
Odds for Albania vs England
England are heavy favourites to win the match at the bookmakers, coming in at 4/9 at bet365. Albania are 6/1 to win with a draw at 10/3.
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.