Albania

Albania news

Jude Bellingham England 2025

Wright hits back at Bellingham critics amid behaviour questions

Ian Wright has hit back at critics of England superstar Jude Bellingham, with the Real Madrid midfielder facing more questions of his supposedly petulant behaviour. The 22-year-old was less than impressed at being replaced during the Three Lions’ final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania. Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he wants everybody in his squad to show “respect” at all times.

Bukayo Saka Phil Foden Adam Wharton England 2025

England star slammed by Keane for being 'a bit soft'

Roy Keane is a fan of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but has warned the talented Eagles star that he may be a “bit soft” to nail down a starting berth for England at this stage. Wharton started for the Three Lions in their final 2026 World Cup qualification win over Albania, with Thomas Tuchel’s side completing a faultless campaign with another victory.

Albania v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

'That's a bad impression' - Tuchel takes aim at sulky Bellingham

Thomas Tuchel says it gives off a "bad impression" when England players don't embrace the team's collective spirit after Jude Bellingham seemed to take exception to being substituted against Albania. The Real Madrid star returned to the starting lineup for the Three Lions' 2-0 win but was replaced by Morgan Rogers in the second half as the battle for the No.10 spot intensified.

Albania v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Kane sends out strong message about England's World Cup hopes

Harry Kane believes England are "one of the favourites" to win next year's World Cup after his brace against Albania. The Three Lions secured a 2-0 win in Tirana to ensure they finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with eight wins out of eight. Now, the Bayern Munich star has sent a warning out to the other contenders for the 2026 tournament in North America.

Jude Bellingham England Albania 2025

‘Mr big time' - Bellingham roasted for HT England shirt swap

Jude Bellingham has been branded “Mr big time” and roasted by several England fans for swapping shirts at the half-time interval of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup qualifier with Albania. The Real Madrid midfielder was returned to Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI for that contest and attracted plenty of attention - including some from opponents that were eager to claim a prized memento.

England Men's Training & Press Conference

Tuchel praised for 'disgusting' England form by Albania manager

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.

England v Serbia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Tuchel to borrow from rugby with new England tactic for World Cup

England's hopes of landing the World Cup could hang on a unique tactic borrowed from another international team, in a completely different sport. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has massive decisions to make regarding who makes the starting XI and who he keeps on the bench, but could copy the “Pom Squad” system favoured by England's rugby team for when he makes his substitutions.

England Men Press Conference

England call up two new players to November squad

Thomas Tuchel has called up two new players to the November England squad after seeing Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope withdraw with injuries. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also a major doubt for the World Cup qualifying matches against Serbia and Albania, though he has reported to the camp. Gordon did not travel to Brentford for Newcastle's last Premier League game, while Pope had to be substituted in the second half.

Frequently asked questions

Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.

Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.

Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.

Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.

Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.

Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.

Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.

One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.

Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.

Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.