TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Perfect England world cup It has a 100% passing record.
Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania gave Thomas Tuchel’s side eight wins in eight games, a clean sheet and a place in next year’s competition.
England had already qualified before completing their final Group K match, but finished in style with another win.
All-time top scorer Harry Kane scored both goals for Tirana, increasing his country’s record to 78 goals in 112 games.
“We have set the standard now, especially in the last few camps,” the England captain told broadcaster ITV. “We’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favorites to win. We have to accept that. We’ve been like that the last few tournaments.”
Kane has scored 25 goals in 18 appearances for Bayern Munich and England this season.
Tuchel took over last year with an initial mandate to lead England to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The English Football Association believes the manager can end the country’s decades-long wait for a major title, with England having not won the World Cup since 1966.
England will enter next year’s tournament having reached the finals of the last two European Championships.
“We have continued to grow. We have had a great year with our new coach and now we are looking forward to a great 2026,” Kane said.
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