Albania vs England predicted lineups: Team news and more ahead of the World Cup qualifier

England travel to Albania for their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

The Three Lions got their campaign off to the best possible start, triumphing 5-0 over San Marino.

Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse and debutant Ollie Watkins helped England secure the win – and it could have been more had it not been for San Marino goalkeeper Elia Benedettini.

Meanwhile, Albania defeated Andorra 1-0 in their opening qualifier. Gareth Southgate has reiterated how delighted he is to see the Three Lions “hungry” for success: “The whole team were hungry to play. Sometimes these games have been stodgy for us in the past but this team can play slightly differently, we have some creative players who can open teams up. A lot of those chances were created by the good pressing and winning the ball high up the pitch.

“But also some of the interchange of position and the vision of players. If we were to be ultra-critical, we probably should have scored more but we also have to say their goalkeeper had an absolutely fantastic game. I was very pleased because the behaviours and habits we showed, to be a top team we have to show those every day, in every training session, and every match and today we respected the game and went about it the right way.”

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Here’s everything you need to know about the match:

When is it?

The fixture will kick-off at 5pm GMT at the Arena Kombetare.

How can I watch it?

The match is live on ITV1 with coverage starting from 4:10pm GMT.

What is the team news?

Ermir Lenjani, the hero against Andorra, is expected to start with Elseid Hysaj on the opposite flank. Barcelona B striker Rey Manaj could start as the lone striker.

Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Declan Rice are expected to return to the starting XI.

Predicted line-ups:

Albania: Berisha, Kumbulla, Djimitsu, Ismajli, Hysaj, Bare, Gjasula, Lenjani, Laci, Cikalleshi, Roshi

England: Pope, James, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Mount, Ward-Prowse, Lingard, Kane, Sterling

Odds:

Albania: 11/1

Draw: 4/1

England: 2/7

Prediction:

With the likes of Kane returning, England should have far too much power. Albania are a stubborn team though, so it might not be pretty. 2-0 England.

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