England are on the brink of making defensive history as they prepare for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania on Sunday. Under manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have been transformed into a defensive powerhouse, keeping a clean sheet in all seven of their qualifying matches so far.
Should the team prevent Albania from scoring in Tirana, they will become the first European nation in history to complete an eight-game World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a single goal. The run has been the backbone of their flawless seven wins from seven matches, which has already secured their place in the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The streak, which spans home and away fixtures against Latvia, Andorra, and Serbia, has impressed pundits and fans alike, especially following the recent 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday night. Tuchel has consistently praised the team's relentless "appetite to keep teams out," highlighting the shift in defensive mentality since his arrival.