England finish World Cup qualifying in style as Kane brace seals 2–0 win over Albania

England closed out their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a confident 2–0 victory over Albania in Tirana, thanks to a late Harry Kane double that ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side completed their group with a perfect record from start to finish.

After a tight, goalless first half in which Albania frustrated the visitors, England found their rhythm in the final stages — and their captain delivered when it mattered most. Kane struck twice in the space of ten minutes, reaffirming his status as England’s most reliable match-winner and securing yet another clean sheet for a team that hasn’t conceded once throughout the entire campaign.

A tense first half — and a patient England

The first 45 minutes offered little in the way of clear-cut chances. England dominated possession but found Albania well-organised, compact and determined. Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen both enjoyed bright moments out wide, while Jude Bellingham linked play impressively through midfield, but Albania’s deep defensive block held firm.

Dean Henderson was largely untested, with Albania threatening only in fleeting counterattacks as they attempted to energise a lively home crowd inside the Arena Kombëtare.

Kane breaks Albania’s resistance (72’)

The breakthrough finally came just past the 70-minute mark. England moved the ball sharply around the box, forcing Albania to retreat, before Kane peeled away into space and drilled a clinical low finish beyond Strakosha.

The goal instantly changed the complexion of the match — England grew in confidence, the tempo lifted, and Albania were suddenly forced to chase, leaving more gaps for England to exploit.

Captain leads by example again (82’)

Ten minutes later, Kane struck again. England won a corner, Albania failed to clear their lines, and the England skipper reacted quickest, steering the ball in from close range to secure a commanding 2–0 lead.

It was a classic display of Kane’s instincts: alert, ruthless and decisive in the moments that define matches.

England complete a flawless campaign

Tonight’s win confirms England’s position as one of Europe’s standout qualifying teams:

• 8 wins from 8
• 0 goals conceded
• A growing tactical identity under Tuchel
• Momentum heading into next year’s World Cup

Defensively, England have been impeccable throughout the group, with Stones, Burn and Quansah forming an impressively stable structure in front of Henderson. In midfield, Bellingham and Rice once again dictated the flow, while Adam Wharton continues to grow into his role with maturity beyond his years.

Albania’s hopes remain alive

Despite defeat, Albania remain firmly in the mix for a play-off place and showed enough quality and fight to suggest they can still book a route to the tournament. Their first-half resilience, combined with their intensity on the counter, kept England honest for long periods.

Full-Time: Albania 0–2 England

Goals:
72’ Kane
82’ Kane