England's fourth Tirana trip

Last Updated : 15-Nov-2025 by Three Lions

England face Albania on Sunday in their final World Cup qualifier, both sides safe in the knowledge that they have achieved their initial aims, England securing their place at the 2026 tournament as group winners and Albania claiming a play-off place ahead of Serbia.

For Thomas Tuchel and his side there are two notable records to play for as England seek to make it eight wins out of eight in qualifying without also conceding a goal.

It is a fourth trip to Tirana for England supporters and a much-changed city from their first visit in 1989, Barry Davies of the BBC in this YouTube footage setting the scene in what was then a little-known nation.

Despite their political differences, Albania and Serbia will come together to host the 2027 UEFA Under-21 Championships, Tirana's Arena Kombetare, venue for Sunday's game, set to host the final.

That could involve England for a third successive tournament in a row, Lee Carsley's side making it four wins out of four in qualifying on Friday evening as they defeated the Republic of Ireland by two goals to nil in Birmingham, Jobe Bellingham captaining the side on his return to St Andrew's.