Gareth Southgate’s side stuttered with draws against Poland and Hungary in the last two international breaks but hold a three-point lead over the Poles with two games to play in Group I - one of which is against San Marino.
First up is an Albania side which has excelled under Edy Reja, the journeyman Italian who has overseen a positive period for the Balkan nation since taking over in March 2019.
England won the reverse fixture in Tirana courtesy of goals from Harry Kane and Mason Mount - and have not lost a game in 90 minutes for almost a full calendar year.
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Albania is scheduled for a 7.45pm GMT kick-off on Friday, November 12, 2021.
Wembley Stadium in London will host the match.
Where to watch England vs Albania
TV channel: Tonight’s match will be televised on ITV, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the match online via the website or ITV Hub app.
You can also follow the action on Standard Sport with our LIVE match blog.
England vs Albania team news
Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell start as wing backs as Gareth Southgate prepares to revert to a back three against Albania.
Southgate is without Declan Rice after he withdrew from the squad due to illness and Mason Mount will also miss the game at Wembley after having his wisdom teeth removed. With no Rice, Jordan Henderson will start in midfield alongside Kalvin Phillips.
Southgate has gone with a back three of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire. Harry Kane will lead the line flanked by Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.
England XI: Pickford, James, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell, Phillips, Henderson, Sterling, Kane, Foden
England vs Albania prediction
Albania have made themselves unlikely candidates for a play-off position during these qualifiers but a trip to Wembley should be one step too far for Edy Reja’s team.
A comfortable 2-0 win in Tirana showed England are the superior side and this occasion is well within the Three Lions’ capabilities.
England to win, 3-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England wins: 5
Draws: 0
Albania wins: 0
