England have won all seven meetings with Albania, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one.
Of all 41 nations the Three Lions have faced on seven or more occasions, only against Luxembourg, Andorra, Malta, San Marino and Albania do they boast a 100% winning record.
Albania vs England preview
It is already job done in Group K for both, so an entertaining affair between two satisfied teams should await at Arena Kombëtare on Sunday. England have been completely flawless in World Cup qualifying, winning all seven matches, scoring 20 goals and conceding zero. On Thursday night, the Three Lions continued their perfect record by beating Serbia 2-0 at Wembley, thanks to stupendous strikes by Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and then Eberechi Eze right at the end.
Only on three occasions previously have England qualified for a major tournament with a 100% record, winning three out of three to reach the 1950 and 1954 World Cups and ten out of ten en route to Euro 2016, which famously went great, never doing so without letting in a goal. Thus, tougher tests await Thomas Tuchel's team but, after this trip to Tirana, he will only have four friendlies before the World Cup commences for real. So, will England's winning streak continue at Arena Kombëtare?
As for Albania, they have never previously qualified for a World Cup, not even coming particularly close, but there is hope that this could change. Ahead of this final fixture, Sylvinho's side have already rubber stamped a play-off spot, which in itself is a big achievement for the group's third seeds.
The Red and Blacks' crucial encounters were always going to come against fierce rivals Serbia, the pair playing out a tame goalless draw in Tirana in June. However, last month, very much against the odds, Rey Manaj was the only scorer in Leskovac, claiming a famous win for Albania.
Thus, on Thursday, when Kristjan Asllani's strike saw the Eagles beat Andorra 1-0 on the road, this was enough to cement second place, so everyone in Albania is looking forward to Thursday's play-off draw, and then the ties themselves in March. They'll be in celebratory mood here, but can Sylvinho's side become the first team to beat Tuchel's England in a competitive game come Sunday evening?
Albania vs England head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 7.
- Albania Wins: Zero. Draws: Zero. England Wins: 7.
Albania team news
Sylvinho is without centre-back Marash Kumbulla, so Arlind Ajeti will partner the expirenced Berat Gjimshiti, with Elseid Hysaj winning his 96th cap at right-back.
Further forward, Nedim Bajrami of Rangers could come into midfield, with Myrto Uzuni potentially displacing Arbër Hoxha out-wide.
Albania predicted lineup vs England: (4-3-3): Strakosha; Hysaj, Gjimshiti, Ajeti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani, Laçi; Manaj, Uzuni, Broja.
Albania player to watch vs England
Born in Slough, Armando Broja will be part of Albania's attack. He scored his sixth international goal against Jordan last month, so can he now net against the nation of his birth?
England team news
Thomas Tuchel is without Marc Guéhi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Morgan Gibbs-White, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Ollie Watkins.
He went strong against Serbia on Thursday, so how many changes will Tuchel make in Tirana?
Nico O'Reilly impressed at Wembley, making his senior international debut at left-back, while Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and scorer Eberechi Eze are among those hoping to come into the team, but Tuchel favourites such as Reece James, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka could start once more.
England predicted lineup vs Albania: (4-3-3): Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O'reilly; Rice, Wharton, Saka, Bellingham, Eze; Kane.
England player to watch vs Albania
Harry Kane has scored 76 international goals, six of which have come in this campaign, while he's netted five times against Albania, so can he add to all of those tallies?
Albania vs England prediction
We are backing England to both win and keep a clean sheet at Arena Kombëtare on Sunday because, well, that's just what they do under Thomas Tuchel in qualifiers: Albania 0-2 England.
Albania vs England FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Albania vs England in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Albania vs England in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: ITV1
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Albania vs England in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Albania vs England in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: ITVX
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Albania vs England in World Cup qualification?
Albania vs England takes place on Sunday 16 November 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (GMT), 12:00 (ET) & 9:00 (PT).