England v Albania: Predicted Three Lions XI for Tuchel’s first game

Thomas Tuchel’s tenure in charge of the England national side begins on Friday night when the Three Lions host Albania in their first World Cup 2026 qualifier. 

The German was appointed as the England head coach late last year, signing an 18-month contract that will run until the end of the World Cup.

The ex-Chelsea boss has a proven record of success in tournament football, and England will therefore be among the favourites to win the trophy in the US next summer.

Here, we predict the XI that Tuchel could select for Friday’s match.

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford has been England’s first choice ‘keeper at every major tournament since the 2018 World Cup, and the Everton star is expected to remain number one at least until the World Cup next year.

Defenders

At the back, Tuchel regularly used a back three during his time at Chelsea, but the German is likely to revert to a back four with England. With that in mind, Blues star Reece James could be handed a start at right-back. The full-back’s international career has been hampered by injuries, but he will be hopeful of forcing his way into the squad for next summer’s tournament.

Marc Guehi could be partnered by Ezri Konsa in the heart of defence, with John Stones not in the squad.

At left-back, Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly could start, in the absence of any more senior natural left-backs. Newcastle United’s Dan Burn – who scored in the Carabao Cup final last weekend – can play at left-back, while Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has also filled in on the left of defence at club level.

Guehi was a regular starter for England at the European Championships last summer

Midfielders

In midfield, talisman Jude Bellingham is in line to start. The midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past couple of years and is now a key player for both England and Real Madrid.

Bellingham will likely be joined by Declan Rice, who has also been a regular for the Three Lions over the past few years.

Liverpool’s Curtis Jones could also be given a start. The 24-year-old is enjoying a fine season with the Reds, but has only played twice for England at senior level.

Jordan Henderson, who was handed a surprise recall to the squad by Tuchel, will likely be on the bench.

Henderson was a surprise recall to the England squad

Forwards

In attack, captain Harry Kane will lead the line and be hoping to add to his tally of 69 goals for his country.

Phil Foden could start on the right flank, despite enduring a difficult season for Manchester City at club level.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon could start on the opposite side, having impressed for Eddie Howe’s side so far this term.

Kane is England’s all-time leading goal scorer

Predicted XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Bellingham, Jones; Foden, Kane, Gordon