World Cup Qualifying team news and prediction: Albania vs England

Albania sit second to England in Group I of World Cup qualifying on goal difference only as the pair secured opening round victories against Andorra and San Marino, respectively. 

Ahead of the game in Tirana, we have all the necessary pre-match information, including what time the match kicks off, where to watch the clash, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?  

Sunday 28th March, 17:00 GMT  

Where is the match?  

Arena Kombetare, Albania 

Where can I watch it?  

ITV 1 

Matchday 1 

Ermir Lenjani's strike shortly before the break on Thursday night saw Albania secure a narrow 1-0 win in Andorra. In truth, Albania would have won by more had they brought their shooting boots with just four of their 14 shots hitting the target. The Eagles enjoyed 74% possession and completed 420 passes to Andorra's 84, just one more than Albanian centre-back Berat Djimsiti. 

As expected, England made light work of San Marino at Wembley. The Three Lions were 3-0 up after half an hour courtesy of goals from James Ward-Prowse, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Raheem Sterling. Calvert-Lewin added his second and England's fourth shortly after the restart, while Ollie Watkins capped his debut with a goal to secure a 5-0 win in London. England managed 32 shots in total, the second most in a World Cup qualifying match so far. 

Team News 

Albania head coach Edoardo Reja has a full squad to select from ahead of this evening's meeting with England, and he has options in reserve should he wish to rotate. Freddie Veseli may come in for Ardian Ismajli at centre-back in Reja's favoured three-man defensive setup. 

Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United for treatment on an ankle injury, with Bukayo Saka joining the attacker on the sidelines. Kyle Walker sat out the win over San Marino and is a doubt. Reece James, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount all came off at the break on Thursday night with a view to the meeting with Albania. Captain Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw played no part in midweek and are expected to rotate into the side. 

Probable XIs 

Albania (352) - Berisha; Veseli, Kumbulla, Djimsiti; Hysaj, Bare, Laci, Memushaj, Lenjani; Manaj, Cikalleshi

England (433) - Pope; James, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Mount, Rice, Ward-Prowse; Sterling, Kane, Foden

Key Battle: Berat Djimsiti vs Harry Maguire

Playing for Atalanta, Berat Djimsiti has garnered ample top flight and Champions League experience this season with the Serie A side conceding fewer shots per game (8.4) than any other side in Italy's top tier this term. Albania will need the centre-back to put in yet another committed display to keep England's attack at bay tonight as they seek to claim an impressive scalp.

Harry Maguire played no part in England's 5-0 win over San Marino, so should be ready and raring to go against Albania this evening. The Manchester United defender has put a testing start to the season behind him and looks back to his best for his club. Fans are expected to see him start alongside John Stones today, in what could be England's centre-back partnership for Euro 2020.

Score Prediction: Albania 0-2 England