Thomas Tuchel's inaugural game as England manager stirred up conversation even before kickoff. The German coach boldly claimed that the team appeared to have played "with fear" during Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate and expressed his desire for a more physical, Premier League-style approach to the game.

On this occasion, Tuchel surprised many with his choice of formation, opting for a 4-2-3-1 setup. Historically known for his emphasis on intensity and pressing, Tuchel found it challenging to impose this style on a defensive Albanian side, especially during a lackluster first half. Given that Tuchel had only been acquainted with his squad for four days before this match, expectations were tempered. Former England midfielder Leon Osman noted on BBC Radio 5 Live, "You can't expect to see a different England team. We won the match, but we need more entertainment."

England dominated possession with 74% and managed 12 shots compared to Albania's three. They executed a record 437 passes in the first half, showcasing their control over the match. While Albania attempted to shift their play after halftime, England's defense, led by debutant Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa, remained largely untroubled.

The outcome itself echoed England's robust home qualification record—unbeaten in 38 qualifiers since November 2007, they secured yet another win. While Upson remarked on the game being visually unappealing from a spectator's standpoint, he acknowledged that England managed the play effectively.

One of the standout performers was 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly, who only recently emerged as a key player for Arsenal. Remarkably, he scored the opening goal, becoming the youngest player ever to net on his debut for England and the third-youngest overall. Tuchel praised him for adapting quickly, saying, "He’s very versatile. We played him in a more conventional role today to ease him into the system."

Conversely, the 32-year-old Dan Burn, who debuted for England after a stellar week leading Newcastle to a cup victory, made history as the oldest England debutant since 2010. He also set a record for the most passes completed by an England debutant, and despite some shaky moments defensively, his performance drew praise from commentators.

Tuchel's tactical strategy included experimenting with wingers, but both Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford struggled to make significant impacts. Tuchel pointed out that they needed to improve their ability to transition the ball quickly, and it's an area that requires further adjustment in future games.

Captain Harry Kane notched his 70th international goal, a fitting highlight in a game that will form the foundation of Tuchel's reign. This strong showing was integral in continuing England's tradition of solid performances against lower-ranked teams.

As Tuchel adjusts his strategies and formations, the upcoming matches will be pivotal in shaping his vision for the national team. Can he lead England to new heights, and will emerging talents like Lewis-Skelly secure their positions in the squad? The road ahead promises to be an exciting watch for fans!