England predicted lineup vs Albania - World Cup qualifying | OneFootball

England begin the Thomas Tuchel era and their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday night when they host Albania at Wembley.

The former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach will be expecting a winning start when Albania visit the capital, with the nation's eyes lasered onto television sets to witness the first glimpse of a new era.

As was the case for those who came before Tuchel, much will be made of his team selection on Friday evening, with the German having chosen experience with a sprinkling of youth in his first squad.

Here is how Tuchel could line England up on his bow.

England predicted lineup vs Albania (4-2-3-1)

Thomas Tuchel has some big calls to make / PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages

GK: Jordan Pickford - No matter the manager, Pickford is England's number one by some distance. Tuchel would have to be brave to go against the grain when it comes to selecting his goalkeeper on Friday.

RB: Reece James - Tuchel established a strong relationship with James during their spell together at Chelsea and an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves the door open for the injury-prone defender to return to the lineup.

CB: Marc Guehi - Tuchel was Chelsea manager when Marc Guehi was sold to Crystal Palace - a decision the Blues regret now - but it's a testament to his impressive development that he's now a shoo-in to start every England match.

CB: Levi Colwill - Colwill and Tuchel barely rubbed shoulders during the latter's Chelsea days but an injury to Harry Maguire makes the Blues defender a nailed-on starter The 22-year-old will likely be deployed on the left-hand side of a back two.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly - An impressive campaign with Arsenal could offer Lewis-Skelly his England debut on Friday, with left-back still a problem area for the Three Lions considering Luke Shaw's fitness record.

DM: Jordan Henderson - With Tuchel perhaps opting for the 4-2-3-1 system he employed at Bayern, he needs two trusty defensive midfielders. Few expected Henderson to be recalled but the Ajax man certainly doesn't lack experience.

DM: Declan Rice - Rice is another who is destined to start no matter the coach or his ideals, with the Arsenal midfielder having been impressively consistent in an England shirt over recent years.

RW: Phil Foden - England supporters will be hoping that Tuchel can get more out of Foden than Gareth Southgate was able to, but the Manchester City star enters the March international period in disappointing form.

AM: Jude Bellingham - An injury to Cole Palmer leaves the number ten role uncontested, with the talismanic Bellingham operating behind Harry Kane. Tuchel needs the youngster to lead by example.

LW: Marcus Rashford - Rashford was another surprise call-up given he's still finding his feet on loan at Aston Villa, but Tuchel has evidently seen enough from the 27-year-old since his winter move.

ST: Harry Kane - Tuchel and Kane were close chums at Bayern and the England manager knows just how lethal his leading number nine can be. The 31-year-old has 32 goals in 39 appearances this season at club level.