England captain Harry Kane scored a late double as his side completed a record-breaking FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-earned 2-0 win away to Albania in Group K on Sunday.
It looked like England would drop the first points, but Kane tapped in from close range in the 74th minute as Albania failed to convert a corner.
Eight minutes later he made it 2-0 with a clinical header from substitute Marcus Rashford’s deep cross.
By keeping a clean sheet, Thomas Tuchel’s side became the first European nation to qualify for a World Cup by winning all their matches without conceding a goal in a group with at least six matches.
England also became only the fifth European team to qualify for a World Cup with a 100 percent record after finishing in Group K with a maximum of 24 points from their eight games.
“It was a really tough game, probably one of the toughest we’ve had in the group,” said Kane, who has scored an impressive 28 goals for club and country this season. ITV Sports.
«We had to be patient, we had to suppress them and be very solid defensively. A 2-0 win and another clean sheet, we are very happy with that. It was an important victory; you don’t want to end up with a defeat.»
With his place in North America long guaranteed, Tuchel has made a host of changes for the match against lively Albania, who will take their chances in the play-offs.
It proved a tough test for England, but once again it was captain Kane who delivered the feat as he took his international tally to 78 goals from 112 games.
Published on November 17, 2025
