England 2-0 Albania result: Thomas Tuchel makes winning start with goals from debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane

Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut as the Thomas Tuchel era kicked off with a 2-0 victory over Albania in 2026 World Cup qualifying Group K.

The 18-year-old Arsenal left-back capped a dream night when he raced on to Jude Bellingham's sumptuous pass to tuck home a 20th-minute opener, and the first goal of the German coach’s tenure.

Another debutant, Dan Burn, went close to doubling The Three Lions’ lead just prior to the interval, but his header from a corner came crashing back off the crossbar.

The hosts controlled a largely unspectacular second period, with Harry Kane sealing the points 13 minutes from time with some supreme control followed by a sharp finish into the far corner to net his 70th goal for his country.

Next up, England will hope to make it two wins from two at the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign when they welcome Latvia to Wembley on Monday evening. 

Myles Lewis Skelly: "I'm lost for words really. I'm so grateful the manager put his trust in me."

Asked by ITV if he felt right at home, he added: "The fans made me feel at home."

And on being the youngest ever scorer for England apart from Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney: "That's incredible."

Declan Rice on Lewis-Skelly: "One word you can use for him is fearless. He's only 18.... I knew he was going to play like that tonight. This is only the start for him."

On Tuchel's first match: "It's only been four days training together. We need to get used to what he wants from us.

"A win in the boss' first game is what we wanted... There are things to improve on but all-round a positive night."

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England were expected to triumph here, and Tuchel and co. did not fluff their lines.

The Three Lions have now won all seven of their encounters with Albania and stretch their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers to 32 matches (W24, D8).

The victory also means Tuchel becomes the 11th permanent England manager in a row to win his first match in charge.

There were a number of plus points across the team for the German, with Lewis-Skelly at home at left-back and Burn offering a real aerial threat at set-pieces.

Curtis Jones looked bright in midfield, but the likes of Foden and Rashford failed to truly take their chance.  

Tuchel will be satisfied but knows victories like this are very much expected with his mandate focused on what comes further down the line, in what England hope will see them finally get over the hump in the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup.

England 2-0 Albania.

Five minutes have been added.

Lewis-Skelly off to a huge ovation.

Reece James on.

England are happy with the points and are just knocking it about, playing out time and perhaps waiting for a half chance to snatch a third if it presents itself.

It's not been an enthralling performance, but there have been bright spots in the shape of MLS and Jones while Burn has also been good on his debut too.

Henderson on, Rice off.

Goalkeeper Strakosha off.

Elhan Kastrati on.

Laci and Asani off.

Hoxha and Pajaziti on.

It took a while, but England finally have the second.

Kane takes the ball down on the left side of the area and caresses a smart finish into the far corner.

Gordon, Bowen and Rogers on.

Foden, Rashford and Jones off.

Asani races after a flick-on and attempts to pull the trigger just inside the area, but Konsa comes across to make a crucial sliding tackle.

It could easily have led to a goal there. Excellent defending by the Villa man.

Broja produces an exquisite turn to outfox Burn, who got way too tight close to the centre circle.

The Everton forward races away in the inside-right channel, but with two on one in the middle, his low cross lacks quality and England are able to hack it to safety.

Broja charges beyond Burn tight to the right byline, but the Newcastle man keeps enough pressure on to lure a heavy touch from the forward, allowing Pickford to dart off his line and scoop the ball up.

Broja on for Bajrami.