Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
England will be looking to cement top position in the Group I standings when they take on Albania at Loro-Borici Stadium on Sunday. The Three Lions faced no difficulties in a 5-0 win over San Marino despite the fact that Gareth Southgate rested several first-team regulars. Harry Kane returns to the starting XI against Albania, and we predict that the Spurs attacker will pose a big threat to the opposition defenders.
The Albanians, on the other hand kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Andorra. Edoardo Reja’s troops, though, will have a much bigger fish to fry in Sunday’s clash, and seeing that England do not suit Albania, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the visiting team. It has to be noted that England emerged triumphant in each of the previous four meetings between the two national teams.
Highlighted Player (Elseid Hysaj):
Born on 2nd February 1994, Elseid Hysaj is an Albanian defender who has spent his entire professional career in Italian Serie A and he is predicted a bright future in the game. Empoli scouts spotted his talent while he was playing for Shodra youth sides, and after three years in the youth team, the full-back was promoted to the first team set up.
Hysaj performed really well in his first three years as a first team regular, helping the Azzurri gain promotion to the top fight in the process. One season in Serie A proved enough for the right-sided defender to secure a big club move as he joined Napoli in the summer of 2015 and immediately nailed down a regular starting berth.
Capable of doing dirty defensive work as well as making forward runs, Hysaj is a modern full-back, who is destined for big things. The talented footballer is already a key member of the Albania national team and he will represent the country at the Euro 2016 finals.
Highlighted Team (England):
One of two oldest national football teams besides Scotland, England have been playing international matches since 1872, but the World Cup title won on home soil in 1966 remain their only major trophy up to date. The Three Lions narrowly missed out on the 1990 World Cup final, losing to Germany on penalties, while they were stopped in quarter-finals on no fewer than five occasions.
England twice reached the European Championship semi-finals, in 1968 and 1996, but they have been pretty disappointing at the start of the 21st century, despite boasting arguably the strongest league competition in the world. Sir Bobby Charlton, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Moore were among players who secured the first major international title, whereas Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney all played an important role during the modern age.
Peter Shilton is the record holder with 125 caps for the national team, while Wayne Rooney surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton as the leading goalscorer in the England national team.