Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut as the Thomas Tuchel era kicked off with a 2-0 victory over Albania in 2026 World Cup qualifying Group K.
The 18-year-old Arsenal left-back capped a dream night when he raced on to Jude Bellingham's sumptuous pass to tuck home a 20th-minute opener, and the first goal of the German coach’s tenure.
Dan Burn, another debutant, nearly doubled the Three Lions' lead just before the break, but his corner kick header bounced back off the crossbar. Myles Lewis Skelly: "I'm lost for words really. I'm so grateful the manager put his trust in me."
Asked by ITV if he felt right at home, he added: "The fans made me feel at home."
And on being the youngest ever scorer for England apart from Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney: "That's incredible."
Declan Rice on Lewis-Skelly: "One word you can use for him is fearless. He's only 18.... I knew he was going to play like that tonight. This is only the start for him."
On Tuchel's first match: "It's only been four days training together. We must become accustomed to what he expects of us. "A win in the boss' first game is what we wanted... There are things to improve on but all-round a positive night."
Is it too early to say football's coming home? Definitely, yes. Nevertheless, Thomas Tuchel's quest for 2026 World Cup glory got off to a winning start as England opened their qualifying campaign with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley on Friday night, with teenage debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly on the scoresheet.
It took the Arsenal prospect just 20 minutes to net his first-ever England goal - becoming the Three Lions' youngest-ever debut scorer in the process. The 18-year-old left-back ran onto a fine Jude Bellingham through ball and coolly rolled the ball between the onrushing goalkeeper's legs.
6/10: Jordan Pickford Dealt with one awkward high ball, albeit untidily, but this was generally a watching brief for the stopper.
6/10: Kyle Walker The veteran's inclusion here and in the squad raised some eyebrows, but it's routine stuff for him. Regularly supported attacks and his recovery pace is still very useful.
Ezri Konsa, rated 7/10: was asked few defensive questions and went about his work without much fuss. Made a huge last-ditch challenge that might have saved England's blushes.
Phil Foden (4/10):
Really needs to follow some of his team-mates' leads and take games like this by the scruff of the neck, but he let the match pass him by before being hooked.
Harry Kane (7/10):
When his first-half shot was miraculously blocked, he couldn't believe he hadn't scored, but he still scored his usual goal with great control. Marcus Rashford (5/10):
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