England Secure 2026 World Cup Spot with 2-0 Albania Win

England secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a flawless qualifying campaign, capping it off with a 2-0 victory over Albania in Tirana on Sunday. Harry Kane scored both goals in the second half, extending his international record to 78 strikes and surpassing Brazil's Pele in the process.

The win marked England's eighth straight success in Group K, where they claimed maximum points from 24 available, scoring 22 goals while conceding none. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, the team became only the second European side to achieve a perfect record without leaking a goal in a World Cup qualifying cycle, following Yugoslavia's feat ahead of the 1954 tournament. This result also stretched England's run of consecutive competitive victories to 11, a national record, and their streak of clean sheets to eight matches.

Despite already qualifying in October, England approached the finale with focus. Tuchel made seven changes to the lineup from the previous game against Serbia, retaining starters John Stones, Declan Rice, Matt O'Riley and Kane. Dean Henderson guarded the posts, with Jarell Quansah partnering Stones in defense. Jude Bellingham returned to the starting XI alongside Adam...