England can take a sizeable, albeit perhaps not decisive, step towards a place at next winter’s World Cup on Friday as they welcome Albania to Wembley Stadium. A win would not mathematically guarantee Gareth Southgate’s side qualification, but considering their final game is against whipping boys San Marino it would surely be enough.
For Albania, the equation is rather more reliant on outside forces. Though they have put up an impressive fight in pursuit of a first-ever place at the World Cup, Edoardo Reja’s team needs to pick up plenty of points against England and Andorra while hoping that either the latter or Hungary can take points off second placed Poland. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Friday, Nov. 12 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Wembley Stadium — London
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: England -1000; Draw +750; Albania +2800 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
England: The Three Lions may be prohibitive favorites, but their preparations for the upcoming games have certainly been hampered by a spate of injuries, particularly in midfield. Declan Rice has withdrawn with illness, Mason Mount has tooth problems and James Ward-Prowse has also dropped out of the squad. In the likes of Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips and Jude Bellingham there are more than adequate alternatives while Emile Smith Rowe will be hoping to earn his first cap in front of Wembley Stadium.
“We have brought Emile here to be involved with the team and with a view to being involved in the two matches,” added Southgate. “This is a group that makes new players and young players really welcome so I don’t think it’s a difficult environment to fit in. His quality has been apparent in the way that he’s trained, so he’s ready and we’ve enjoyed having him with us this week already.”
Albania: Had Ward-Prowse been in the squad, he might have been able to warn his England teammates of the dangers posed by Armando Broja, the Chelsea loanee who has been in fine form of late for club and country. The 20-year-old, born in Slough, has made a habit of providing crucial late goals for Albania in the qualifying campaign, scoring in the 87th and 80th minute in wins over Hungary that have earned the Eagles an impressive third in the group.
Prediction
England have proven themselves to be supremely efficient in qualifiers over recent years, particularly on home soil. Expect that to continue. PICK: England 2, Albania 0