Albania came away empty-handed from its clash with England, despite holding firm until the 74th minute.
On Sunday evening at “Air Albania” Stadium in Tirana, the Red and Blacks were defeated 2–0 by England. Both goals for the visitors were scored by star striker Harry Kane.
The English captain made it 1–0 in the 74th minute, reacting quickly inside the box after a deflected corner kick. In the 82nd minute, Kane struck again with a shot from inside the area, assisted by Marcus Rashford.
Albania, however, was not inferior on the pitch. The team created several good chances in both the first and second half—but failed to convert them.
Elseid Hysaj, Arbër Hoxha, Nedim Bajrami, and Berat Gjimshiti each had promising opportunities for Albania, yet England remained unbeaten.
England had already secured first place in Group K and direct qualification for the World Cup.
Sunday’s victory was the eighth in as many matches for the “Three Lions.” Thomas Tuchel’s side has scored an impressive 22 goals while conceding none—an almost flawless qualifying campaign.
Albania finishes the regular qualification phase in second place in the group with 14 points. For the first time ever, the national team will compete in the World Cup qualification playoff. The playoff draw will take place on Thursday, while the matches will be played in March of next year.
Albania won the battle with Serbia for second place in a group that was expected from the start to be won by England.
Serbia finished with 13 points. Latvia ends the qualifiers in fourth place with five points, while Andorra ranks last with just one point.
Albania secured its playoff spot three days ago with a victory in Andorra. Meanwhile, the decisive win remains the triumph over Serbia in Leskovac last month.
