Lewis-Skelly Makes History as England Beat Albania in Tuchel’s Debut

New England head coach Thomas Tuchel kicked off his reign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Albania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Promising to revive excitement following Gareth Southgate’s tenure, Tuchel’s side lacked fluency against a defensive Albanian outfit, though the night brought standout moments for debutants.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal’s highly rated teenage full-back, delivered a dream debut, opening the scoring in the 20th minute with a calm finish from Jude Bellingham’s pinpoint pass.

At 18 years and 176 days, he became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut, breaking Marcus Rashford’s record by 33 days.

Tuchel also handed a first cap to Newcastle’s Dan Burn, 32, who nearly scored with a first-half header that struck the bar.

Albania threatened after the break, with Ezri Konsa crucially intercepting a dangerous run from Jasir Asani.

England responded swiftly, sealing the result in the 77th minute when Harry Kane netted his 70th international goal from close range, securing a solid—if unspectacular—start for Tuchel.