Harry Kane’s late double in Tirana ensured England completed a spotless World Cup qualifying campaign, clinching a 2-0 win over Albania and extending their run to eleven straight competitive victories.
Thomas Tuchel’s men became the first European side to win at least six qualifiers in a single campaign without conceding, finishing the job with trademark discipline and control.
England dictated play from the start despite seven changes to the line-up, with Declan Rice forcing Thomas Strakosha into an early save.
Albania grew into the contest and threatened a shock lead after the break, twice testing Dean Henderson through the lively Arbër Hoxha.
England steadied themselves, pushed forward, and finally broke the resistance when a flicked corner fell for Kane to guide home.
The captain struck again seven minutes later, meeting Marcus Rashford’s pinpoint cross to secure maximum points.
England head to North America unbeaten and unbreached, while Albania shift focus to the playoffs after suffering their first defeat in nine outings.
