England news

One of the best midfielders of his era, perhaps the greatest crosser of a football ever and a free-kick taker to rival the best the game has ever produced, David Beckham was a special player to say the least. And yet due to his off-field impact, one of the sport's great champions of the past 30 years is generally forgotten when it comes to referencing the true legends of the game.

Thomas Tuchel has never looked as happy as during the eight months in which he has been in charge of the England team. But now comes the sad part: being away from the players he has grown so fond of until the next international window in March. Despite the cynicism around his appointment, the German has proved to be a fine choice of coach and has given the Three Lions the shake-up they needed.

All you need to know about the England national team's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

Perfection and the England men's national team never were natural bedfellows, but Thomas Tuchel has changed the narrative around the Three Lions by propelling them to a literally flawless World Cup qualifying campaign. England completed their perfect run of results by rounding off their journey to North America in 2026 with a 2-0 victory away in Albania, an eighth successive win without conceding a goal.

Harry Kane made the difference yet again with two late goals as England beat Albania 2-0 in their final World Cup qualifier and made history in the process. The captain broke the deadlock from close range in the 74th minute then netted a header eight minutes later to ensure Thomas Tuchel's side became the first European team to win every game in a World Cup qualification campaign without conceding a goal.

Wayne Rooney has brutally advised Jack Grealish to "book his summer holiday" for 2026 as there is little chance of him earning an England recall for the World Cup finals. The Everton loanee has rediscovered his spark after leaving Manchester City for Merseyside, but Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel continues to ignore him. That situation is not expected to change any time soon.

Former Manchester United attacker Mason Greenwood still believes that he can play for the England national team, even though he has been blacklisted by the FA and head coach Thomas Tuchel from selection. Greenwood's last - and only - appearance for the Three Lions came in 2020 in a Nations League clash against Iceland. After that, he was charged with serious criminal allegations, which marked the end of his journey with Three Lions.

England captain Harry Kane has revealed that an 'NFL-like playbook' will help the Three Lions set-piece their way to the World Cup in North America next year. England have maximised dead ball situations to great effect in qualifying having scored five goals from set pieces and a further two from the penalty spot as they booked their flight across the pond with ease.

Thomas Tuchel has warned his England players to avoid a Cristiano Ronaldo situation and receive their marching orders against Albania on Sunday. Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland earlier this week and will miss their final World Cup qualifying meeting with Armenia. The Al-Nassr forward will also sit out Portugal's World Cup opener should they make the 2026 showpiece.

Albania manager Sylvinho heaped praise on Thomas Tuchel's England as the Three Lions near a perfect World Cup qualifying record. Having already booked their berth in the flagship competition next year, the Three Lions are now aiming to maintain their 100 per cent win record in the qualifying rounds. England will meet Albania in their last group game on Sunday in Tirana.

Wayne Rooney has revealed he would be 'f*cked' if there was a nuclear attack as he discussed a surreal meeting with Donald Trump. The former Manchester United and England striker told all during a guest appearance on 'A League of Their Own' as the US President gave Rooney a stark warning were all hell to break loose when the pair met on the golf course during Trump's first term.

Harry Kane has admitted he wants to win the Ballon d'Or and compared himself to Manchester City hitman Erling Haaland as the strikers battle for glory. Kane is one goal off matching Pele's international haul and will hope to match or better the Brazilian when England face Albania in their final World Cup qualifier on Sunday night as the Three Lions look to maintain their 100% record.

Reigan Heskey, the son of former Liverpool and England legend Emile, has overtaken Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho with his goals at the Under-17 World Cup. England secured their spot in the last 32 in Qatar as they finished second to Venezuela in Group E. The Young Lions then eased into the last 16 of the tournament as they got the better of South Korea on Saturday.