England player ratings: Lewis-Skelly shines in 2-0 win over Albania | OneFootball

England kicked off their Thomas Tuchel era and World Cup qualification campaign with a 2-0 victory at Wembley. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane found the net as the Three Lions secured a winning start. Their next match of the international break will take place on Monday at the same venue against Latvia.

Coming into the game, England were unbeaten in 31 World Cup qualifiers. The last time these two teams met at Wembley, England won, with Harry Kane netting a hat-trick. Tuchel handed debuts to Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Marcus Rashford returned to the lineup after over a year. Nine Premier League players featured in the starting XI.

First half: England dominate possession, Lewis-Skelly makes history

England controlled possession early, completing over 200 passes in the opening 15 minutes, but struggled to break down Albania’s resilient defense.

The breakthrough finally came after Jude Bellingham held off the pressure and played a defense-splitting pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who made a brilliant run before slotting the ball through the legs of Thomas Strakosha. The 18-year-old Arsenal star became the youngest player to score on his England debut.

Just before halftime, Kyle Walker delivered a pinpoint cross to Jude Bellingham, whose header was saved by Strakosha. The rebound fell to Harry Kane, but his shot was blocked by Albanian captain Berat Djimsiti. Within a few seconds, Dan Burn nearly marked his debut with a goal off a corner, but his header was tipped onto the crossbar by Strakosha, keeping the score at 1-0.

Second half: Kane seals the win

England continued to push forward in the second half, with Phil Foden getting several opportunities but failing to capitalize. Myles Lewis-Skelly remained a bright spark, driving the ball forward from deep midfield. Albania improved after the introduction of Armando Broja but struggled to create clear chances.

England’s second goal came when Declan Rice played an inch-perfect ball over the top to Harry Kane. The captain held off Arlind Ajeti before finding the bottom corner for his 70th international goal. After that, England controlled the game with ease, sealing a confident 2-0 win in Tuchel’s first match in charge.

England player ratings (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford – 6.5/10

Largely untested in his 74th cap but did well when called upon. Positioned himself well as a passing option when needed.

Kyle Walker – 7/10

A composed performance at right-back, making smart overlapping runs. Played a role in the build-up to the second goal.

Ezri Konsa – 7/10

Solid defensively and distributed well. A long ball in the first half found Bellingham in space.

Dan Burn – 7.5/10

Impressive debut. Made key blocks and distributed the ball forward effectively. Nearly scored with a powerful header that was tipped onto the crossbar. Was fortunate to avoid a booking after catching Myrto Uzuni in the face.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8.5/10

A dream debut for the teenager. Made a superb run and finish for England’s opening goal. Drove the ball forward well and showed great composure.

Declan Rice – 8/10

Controlled the midfield and dictated the tempo. Assisted Kane’s goal with a perfectly weighted pass. Substituted late on with England in full control.

Curtis Jones – 7/10

Made early runs into the box and looked comfortable in possession. Recovered the ball well after Albania threatened on the break.

Phil Foden – 5.5/10

A frustrating night for Foden, who wasted several opportunities. Struggled to make an impact and was subbed off after an ineffective display.

Jude Bellingham – 8/10

Central to England’s attacking play. Assisted Lewis-Skelly’s goal with a brilliant pass. Had a few efforts on goal but was denied by Strakosha.

Marcus Rashford – 6/10

Showed glimpses of promise with a few runs but lacked the final product. Substituted early in the second half.

Harry Kane – 8/10

Dropped deep to link play and played several accurate long balls. Took his goal well to wrap up the win.

Sub: Anthony Gordon – 5.5/10 (on 74' for Rashford)

Couldn’t influence the game much but showed energy. Picked up a minor knock late on.

Sub: Jarrod Bowen – 5.5/10 (on 74' for Foden)

More active than Foden but didn’t make a big impact.

Sub: Morgan Rogers – 5/10 (on 74' for Jones)

Had little to do after England’s second goal sealed the game.

Sub: Jordan Henderson – 5/10 (on 82' for Rice)

Kept possession well, completing 24 of his 25 passes.

Sub: Reece James – 5/10 (on 90' for Lewis-Skelly)

Came on too late to make a contribution but will be pleased to return to the England setup.

Manager: Thomas Tuchel – 7/10

A solid start for Tuchel. England looked confident despite a slow opening. His decision to start Lewis-Skelly paid off, but Foden and Rashford struggled. Too early to judge his full impact, but a comfortable win in his first game.