At Air Albania Stadium on 16 November 2025, Albania host group winners England in a qualifier where the competitive pressure has largely lifted, yet the stylistic tendencies of both teams point toward another tight, low-scoring match.
Albania Solid but Goal-Shy
Albania come into this fixture with second place already secured following a narrow 1–0 win away to Andorra. Their campaign has been built on discipline and defensive work-rate rather than attacking flair. Goals have been scarce at both ends: six of Albania’s seven group matches have finished under 2.5 goals. Even their most significant victory - the 1–0 win in Serbia - was earned through concentration and compactness rather than offensive ambition. When they travelled to Wembley earlier in the campaign, they limited England well, falling only 0–2 despite spending long stretches defending deep. The same compact approach is expected here.
England Perfect, Controlled, Impenetrable
England arrive having already sealed first place with a 2–0 win over Serbia on Thursday. Their qualifying record has been flawless: seven wins, twenty goals scored, and none conceded. The defensive consistency Thomas Tuchel has instilled is remarkable - England have kept a clean sheet in ten of their last eleven matches. With qualification secured, rotation is possible, but England’s disciplined defensive shape rarely fluctuates regardless of personnel. They manage matches calmly, avoid unnecessary risks, and often close games down once in the lead.
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals
With Albania’s preference for cautious, low-tempo football and England’s measured, risk-averse control - particularly with qualification already achieved - this matchup strongly leans toward a limited goal count. The selection is Under 2.5 goals, consistent with both teams’ recent patterns and their previous meeting in the group.
