The Albanian national team kicked off its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat against England at Wembley Stadium.
Despite the loss, the team delivered a respectable performance against one of the world’s top squads.
Coach Sylvinho started the match with this lineup: Thomas Strakosha (GK), Naser Aliji, Berat Gjimshiti (C), Arlind Ajeti, Ivan Balliu, Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani, Qazim Laçi, Nedim Bajrami, Jasir Asani, Myrto Uzuni.
The first minutes started with England in attack, however, Albania was well positioned in defense, avoiding the danger.
England took the lead in the 20th minute through Lewis-Skelly.
Albania came close to equalizing in the 27th minute when Burn’s deflection hit the crossbar. The first half ended 1-0 for the hosts.
The second half started without changes for the red and blacks, however, in the 63rd minute, coach Sylvinho brought on Broja.
The red and black forward immediately became a protagonist, appearing dangerously in front of the opposing goal.
The best moment came in the 69th minute, when Broja made a good pass to Asani, who failed to strike the ball from inside the box.
England scored their second goal in the 77th minute with Harry Kane.
Coach Silvinho made two more changes, bringing on Adrion Pajazit and Arbër Hoxha. Meanwhile, in the 82nd minute, Thomas Strakosha was substituted due to injury, and Elhan Kastrati took his place in goal.
In the end, nothing changed in the result, and the match finished 2-0 in favor of England.
Albania will play their second qualifying match on March 24th against Andorra at the “Arena Kombëtare” stadium, at 20:45.
