Thomas Tuchel debuts as England head coach against Albania

On March 21, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in England, Thomas Tuchel made his debut as the new head coach of the England national football team during a World Cup qualifier against Albania. This match marked the start of England's World Cup qualifying campaign in Group K. Tuchel’s appointment followed the departure of Gareth Southgate, and he aimed to instill a new philosophy focused on excitement and determination. Key players for England included Marcus Rashford, who received his first cap in over a year, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who made his international debut alongside veteran Dan Burn, who was also earning his first cap at the age of 32 after significant domestic achievements. The starting lineup showcased a blend of young talent and experienced players, positioned in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to bring back the traditional values of English football highlighted by Tuchel's public statements prior to the match. As the game commenced, England dominated play and created several chances, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring the lone goal of the match after being set up by Jude Bellingham. Despite initial anxieties from fans about including some of the debutants, the match ended positively, with England securing a 1-0 victory over Albania. Tuchel's first game was marked not only by the goal line but also by a clear shift in the team's mindset, one that hoped to revive the fans' hope and excitement, contrasting with the previous era. This win set a promising tone for the rest of the qualifying campaign and demonstrated Tuchel's ability to inspire confidence in his squad from the outset.