Thomas Tuchel`s tenure as England manager started with a win, though it wasn`t the thrilling spectacle some might have anticipated.
England secured a 2-0 victory against Albania in their journey to the United States. Debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and veteran Harry Kane scored the goals.
Arsenal`s 18-year-old defender marked the beginning of the Tuchel era by becoming England`s youngest debut goalscorer, justifying the new manager`s bold selection.
Lewis-Skelly, a modern defender, frequently appeared in attacking midfield, demonstrating impressive energy and skill.
However, in the period between their goals, England struggled and exhibited familiar issues.
Phil Foden was ineffective on the right wing and still seems incompatible with Jude Bellingham, whose excellent assist set up Lewis-Skelly`s opening goal.
Marcus Rashford, chosen despite limited Premier League playtime at Aston Villa, showed effort but lacked impact.
Dan Burn, another debutant, was shaky in defense, although he did hit the bar with a header just before halftime.
Under Gareth Southgate, such a match might have been met with indifference. But this is a typical challenge of tournament qualifying campaigns.
England will face numerous teams focused on defense, lacking ambition, and these matches may not be very indicative of their World Cup performance in America.
With friendlies against Senegal and Wales scheduled, England is unlikely to encounter top-tier opponents for at least a year.
Tuchel and his team hope this match is the first step towards a successful World Cup journey culminating in the final in New Jersey next July.
The new manager aims for widespread support. Despite initial doubts, Tuchel opted for a bold and positive lineup, including debutants Lewis-Skelly and Burn, and recalling Rashford.
With an attacking formation, it appeared Tuchel was moving away from a more cautious approach seen previously.
England had previously defeated Albania 5-0 under Southgate four years prior. Southgate`s approach wasn`t always as negative as some now portray it.
England began cautiously, controlling possession but lacking creativity until Lewis-Skelly`s goal in the 19th minute.
Bellingham`s brilliance created the goal, with a clever pass that bypassed five defenders to find Lewis-Skelly.
England player ratings vs Albania: Lewis-Skelly impresses on debut, Foden`s role remains unclear
By Tom Barclay
Myles Lewis-Skelly made history, and Harry Kane extended his goalscoring record as England defeated Albania in Thomas Tuchel`s first match.
Lewis-Skelly became the youngest debutant scorer for England, and Kane scored his 70th international goal in a 2-0 win to begin Tuchel`s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Dan Burn debuted alongside Ezri Konsa in central defense, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones also started.
Tuchel, like Southgate before him, faced the challenge of finding the right position for Phil Foden.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, scored in the 20th minute after a skillful turn and pass from Jude Bellingham.
England`s performance dipped after halftime until Kane secured the win with a composed finish from a Declan Rice pass.
Here are SunSport`s Tom Barclay`s player ratings for England in Tuchel`s first game…
The young Arsenal player scored with his first touch, nutmegging goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha and starting the Tuchel era positively.
Kane then played a deep pass to Rashford, but Rashford failed to control the ball when he should have tested the keeper.
England`s defense looked shaky when Dan Burn misjudged a clearance, sending the ball onto the crossbar before colliding with Pickford.
Tuchel had emphasized communication among players. This moment highlighted a lack of it.
Despite some lapses, Bellingham provided creativity, and Kane was active across the field, winning tackles.
However, Foden was quiet on the right, and Curtis Jones`s efforts lacked impact.
Before halftime, Kyle Walker`s run and cutback found Bellingham, whose header was blocked, and Kane`s follow-up was deflected over.
From a Declan Rice corner, Burn`s powerful header hit the crossbar, narrowly missing a debut goal.
In the second half, Burn was fortunate to avoid a card for a high challenge on Myrto Azuni.
Lewis-Skelly initiated another England attack, but Rashford lost his footing, and Kane headed wide from a Bellingham cross.
Albania`s substitute Armando Broja challenged Burn`s pace but didn`t threaten Pickford.
Ezri Konsa made a crucial interception to prevent Jasir Asani from a clear chance.
Tuchel made his first substitutions, bringing on Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers for Rashford, Foden, and Jones, none of whom had impressed significantly.
Later, Rice crossed to Kane, who controlled the ball and scored England`s second goal in the 78th minute.
It was Kane`s 70th goal for England, and his partnership with Bellingham will be crucial for their World Cup ambitions.
Dan Burn`s England story might be brief but memorable
By Charlie Wyett
While the young debutant scored, the night was also significant for Dan Burn, who earned his first England cap at 32.
Burn`s week has been extraordinary, winning a trophy with Newcastle and then joining up with England.
His inclusion in Tuchel`s squad was a popular decision.
Burn appeared immensely proud during the national anthem.
Remarkably, he hit the woodwork at both ends.
With John Stones and Harry Maguire returning, Burn`s future England appearances are uncertain, but he is savouring the moment.
Tuchel recalled Jordan Henderson, emphasizing experience. He also chose Burn over Marc Guehi and Levi Colwill.
Burn showed some nerves initially.
He nearly scored from a corner before halftime.
In the second half, he was involved in a clumsy challenge and a slip that allowed Albania an attack.
The height difference between Burn and Lewis-Skelly was notable.
Lewis-Skelly, despite not being a prolific scorer, took his goal well and played confidently but cautiously.
Burn`s England career might be short, but Lewis-Skelly`s is just beginning.
