World Cup Qualifier 2025/26: England vs Albania Preview, Predictions & Odds
Last updated: by Leon Marshall
England opens their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley Stadium, marking the start of the Thomas Tuchel era. We have crafted a Bet Builder combining four selections: England to win, Marcus Rashford to score anytime, Phil Foden over 0.5 shots on target, and Jude Bellingham over 0.5 shots on target. This Bet Builder is priced at 13/2 and would return £75 from a £10 stake if successful.
Strong historical performances back England’s journey to this qualifier against Albania. Their recent form has been impressive, topping their Nations League group with offensive and defensive strengths. The new managerial approach under Thomas Tuchel is expected to bolster their capabilities.
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Albania’s recent form in the Nations League has been a mixed bag, highlighting their inconsistency on the international stage. They began with a promising 2-1 victory against Ukraine on 7th September 2024, showcasing their potential to compete against stronger teams. However, this was followed by a narrow 0-1 defeat at home to Georgia on 10th September 2024, indicating challenges in maintaining momentum.
Their struggles continued with a 0-2 loss to Czechia on 11th October 2024, but they bounced back with a 1-0 win over Georgia on 14th October 2024, demonstrating resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks. A goalless draw against Czechia on 16th November 2024 suggested defensive improvements, yet they concluded their Nations League campaign with a 1-2 home defeat to Ukraine on 19th November 2024.
World Cup Qualifier – England to Beat Albania
England is heavily favoured to win the upcoming match against Albania, bolstered by their impeccable record in past encounters, having won all four meetings without conceding a single goal. Their dominance against Albania is evident, with victories such as a commanding 5-0 win in their most recent clash on 12th November 2021 and a solid 2-0 triumph on 5th September 2001.
Playing at Wembley Stadium further enhances their advantage, as England traditionally performs strongly on home turf, with the support of a passionate home crowd amplifying their confidence and performance levels.
England’s win percentage against Albania is a remarkable 100%, underscoring their ability to secure a comfortable victory in this World Cup qualifier. This historical superiority, coupled with their current form and squad depth, positions England as the clear favourites to maintain their winning streak against Albania.
World Cup Qualifier – Marcus Rashford to Score Anytime
Marcus Rashford has emerged as a pivotal figure for England ahead of their clash with Albania, particularly following his transfer from Manchester United to Aston Villa. Since making the switch, Rashford has showcased impressive performances in the Premier League, contributing significantly to Aston Villa’s recent successes, such as their 2-1 victory over Chelsea and a decisive 3-0 win against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
His inclusion in the England squad has sparked debate, but Rashford is determined to silence critics with his on-field contributions. Given his current form and attacking prowess, he is well-positioned to exploit Albania’s defensive gaps and potentially score a goal, proving his doubters wrong and reaffirming his value to the national team.
World Cup Qualifier – Phil Foden Over 0.5 Shots on Target
Phil Foden’s versatility and creativity make him an indispensable asset in England’s line-up, capable of influencing the game from multiple positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and on the wings. His ability to adapt to various roles allows him to effectively exploit weaknesses in the opposition’s defence. Foden’s offensive threat is underscored by his impressive average of 2.3 shots per game across all competitions, highlighting his propensity to challenge goalkeepers regularly.
This consistent ability to produce shots on target makes him a formidable presence against Albania. Whether orchestrating play or driving forward with the ball, Foden will likely keep the Albanian goalkeeper on his toes, setting up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His dynamic playing style and keen eye for goal position him as a strong candidate to register at least one shot on target during the match.
World Cup Qualifier – Jude Bellingham Over 0.5 Shots on Target
Jude Bellingham’s recent performances have been marked by his impressive impact across various competitions, underscoring his importance to both club and country. Currently playing for Real Madrid, Bellingham has made 22 appearances in La Liga, scoring 7 goals and providing 6 assists. His average of 1.9 shots per game in La Liga highlights his ability to contribute offensively, making him a threat in attacking situations.
He has maintained a shots-per-game rate of 2 in the UEFA Nations League B, further illustrating his offensive mindset. His passing success rate of 88.8% across all competitions indicates his proficiency in maintaining possession and distributing the ball effectively. With a total of 15 goals and 13 assists from 51 appearances this season, Bellingham’s attacking instincts and versatility are poised to be crucial for England, making him likely to achieve at least one shot on target against Albania.
Betting Tip:
- Suggested Bet Builder: England to Win, Marcus Rashford Anytime Goal Scorer, Phil Foden Over 0.5 Shots on Target, Jude Bellingham Over 0.5 Shots on Target.