Thomas Tuchel insists he has no interest in England’s chance to secure a place in the World Cup record books as the Three Lions prepare for their final qualifier against Albania on Sunday, closing out what has been a remarkable campaign.

Tuchel began his tenure with a 2–0 victory over the same opponents at Wembley in March, and his first year in charge will end where it began, with England facing Albania again, this time in Tirana.

Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, England have been flawless in Group K, winning all seven matches so far without conceding a single goal—a defensive streak that Albania head coach Sylvinho jokingly described as “disgusting.”

Victory on Sunday would make England the first European team to win at least six World Cup qualifiers in a single campaign without conceding. But Tuchel says that record is not something the squad are focused on.

“We didn’t speak a single word about that,” the German told reporters on Saturday. “The quality and mentality of the guys who haven’t played as much was at the highest level in training. It was a pure pleasure and shows we are going in the right direction. Everyone is ready, everyone is hungry.”

England travelled with a 23-man squad after Ezri Konsa withdrew due to a calf issue. At least one change is expected from Thursday’s 2–0 win against Serbia, when Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden made strong impacts off the bench.

Captain Harry Kane believes the unity Tuchel is building is a major factor behind the team’s success and says competition for places is stronger than ever.

“Everyone feels ready to be part of it,” Kane said. “They want to show what they can do in training and games, and show the boss they deserve to be picked for next summer.”

With limited time before Euro 2026 preparations intensify, Kane praised the commitment of players such as defender Marc Guehi, who joined the camp despite being injured.

“I think it’s really important because we don’t have a lot of training sessions before next summer,” Kane added. “From that point of view, it’s been fantastic.”

England face Albania knowing a draw would complete a perfect defensive qualifying run, while a win would secure a place in World Cup history—whether Tuchel is interested in the record or not.