One of the recurring issues in international football is the tendency to focus on the wrong questions. Qualifiers, while necessary, do not offer much insight into a team’s true potential when faced with top-tier opposition. England’s recent win over Albania followed a familiar pattern: dominating possession, moving the ball too slowly, and securing a routine victory. However, the real test will come against stronger opponents in next year’s World Cup.
The ultimate goal is to build a team capable of overcoming elite opposition. Before that, there will be a series of matches against defensive-minded teams. England’s past qualification campaigns have often been prolific, but past tournaments have shown that high-scoring qualifiers do not guarantee success. The challenge lies in constructing a side that can adapt to different styles of play.
England’s performance against Albania was not flawless. The team did not move the ball as quickly as desired, nor did they stretch play effectively. There were defensive lapses, including an unnecessary miscommunication at the back. However, the result was never in doubt, and there was one particularly encouraging moment.
At the last European Championship, three key issues hindered England. The first, a lack of a natural left-back, has since been addressed. The second is the absence of a deep-lying midfielder capable of controlling play, a role filled by the likes of Rodri, Kanté, or Kroos for other nations. While Curtis Jones could potentially develop into that player, his natural instinct is to push forward, leaving gaps that Albania occasionally exploited.
The third and perhaps most significant problem was the disconnect between Harry Kane and the players behind him. One of Kane’s greatest strengths is his ability to drop deep, pulling defenders out of position. However, this movement requires runners who can exploit the space he creates. At the Euros, England’s attack was often congested, with Bellingham, Foden, and Saka occupying similar areas.
This issue was momentarily resolved on Friday. In the 26th minute, Kane dropped deep and, for the first time, had multiple teammates running beyond him. His pass found Marcus Rashford, who could not quite bring it under control, but the attempt itself was promising.
Rashford’s form has been inconsistent, particularly after his recent move to Aston Villa. However, when at his best, he provides something England sorely lack: direct runs into space behind Kane. While he may not have the technical ability of Palmer or Saka, or the tactical intelligence of Foden, his style of play could be crucial in adding balance to the team.
This was just a glimpse, but it hinted at what England’s attack could become. Most of the match was defined by slow, patient possession, typical of home qualifiers. However, that one moment suggested a potential blueprint for success: a system that maximizes Kane’s strengths while creating space for dynamic runners. If developed further, this approach could make England a more formidable force when facing the world’s best teams.
