The Albanian National Team started today its official training camp and preparations for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The red and black players, Arbër Hoxha and Julian Shehu held a press conference where they shared their emotions and expectations for the challenges ahead.
Arbër Hoxha described Albania’s first match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against England as a tough encounter, highlighting that the opponent has world-class players.
However, he expressed confidence in the team’s qualities and hopes for a positive result, promising to give his maximum effort during the minutes he will be given on the field.
Match against England? – The first match against England is tough, taking into consideration that England has world class players. We will go to give our maximum, we know our qualities and strengths. We hope to achieve a positive result. I will do my best, no matter how many minutes I get on the field.
One year in the National Team, how has this journey been for you? – I believe it has been a very good year because we achieved qualification for the European Championship. We will always do our best and hope to qualify for the World Cup.
How is the season going with your club? – Like every footballer, there are ups and downs, and I am one of them. Recently, I haven’t had much rhythm in matches. The minutes I have had, I’ve tried to make the most of them. I hope to reach my form as soon as possible and have more minutes available.
Competition in the National Team? – In the National Team, competition always makes you stronger. We give our best to get as many minutes as possible.
Do you expect any changes in the game against England?– That is decided by the coach. We are also waiting for the other players to join us. We have four days to prepare tactically and to get ready for the match as well as we can.
Should we have expectations for the match against England? – Yes, of course we believe, this is not up for discussion. I believe the group has the quality to achieve a positive result.
Juljan Shehu, the midfielder recently called up to the Albanian National Team, shared his emotions after receiving the call-up from the red and blacks staff. He described the moment as a dream come true and emphasized that he will give his maximum for the national team.
The call from the National Team? – It’s a dream come true. I am very proud to have been selected to represent the National Team. It’s one of the best feelings in the world. I hope to represent the country with dignity and give my best for the team, as well as to raise the level of competition because it’s good for the team.
First emotions after receiving the call? – The first moment I received the call, I didn’t know how to react. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I was contacted by the staff, and it was a very beautiful moment.
How do you see your journey with the National Team? – I didn’t come to be a passing figure. I hope my journey with the National Team will be as long as possible. I came with the confidence that I will do my best.
How ready are you after the injury? – Last year was the hardest year of my career, especially after the injury I had. But I recovered very well and very quickly, and I am 100% ready. I am feeling great physically, I have played almost all the matches with my team. My teammates welcomed me very well, it felt like the first time I’ve been here. There was a lot of enthusiasm in the team. They congratulated me and were there to support me.
