Thomas Tuchel got off to a winning start as England head coach, even if the performance was not particularly inspiring.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy will hope for the same as their World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off.
Meanwhile the debate over pitch standards in women’s football rumbles on.
Tuchel lifted by Lewis-Skelly
Thomas Tuchel praised “amazing” history-making debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly but wants better from England having started his reign with a Wembley win against Albania.
The left-back scored the opener in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory before Harry Kane’s 70th international goal sealed the result.
The Arsenal defender became England’s youngest goalscoring debutant and Tuchel said: “He was amazing in camp. He’s full of confidence and very full of humour and such an open and mature character.
“Everything you see on the pitch, you see off the pitch, so he was straight away a part of the group. Very impressive.”
Bellamy ready for Wales challenge
Craig Bellamy believes Wales’ experience of playing at major tournaments will have a positive bearing on their attempt to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Wales start their qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan in Cardiff on Saturday, having qualified for Euro 2016 and Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – their first since 1958.
“It is so valuable. That experience of everyone being on the ride is so important,” said Bellamy.
“This time it is my responsibility to get to where other managers have been able to get to, and then maybe leave it in a place where it continuously keeps happening.”
Price is right for O’Neill
Michael O’Neill called Isaac Price a “brilliant young player” after his goal helped Northern Ireland to a deserving 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
The 21-year-old scored his fifth goal in four international appearances – and his seventh in total – when he curled in a fine strike to put Northern Ireland ahead in the 16th minute.
“He’s a brilliant young player,” said O’Neill, after Vincent Sierro too easily headed Switzerland level from a corner.
“I just think he looks really comfortable playing international football and he’s a brilliant boy as well, a great kid, and everyone is delighted for him.”
Slegers pitches into surface debate
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers fears more players will be injured if matches continue to be played on sub-standard pitches.
The Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League defeat at Real Madrid’s 6,000-seater Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium took place on a rain-soaked surface which was labelled a “disgrace” by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
“I think women’s football deserves to play on good surfaces. Not least because of player injury risks,” said Slegers.
Real’s Melanie Leupolz sustained a torn lateral knee ligament after catching her studs in the mud during the game.
What’s on today?
Wales kick off their bid for World Cup qualification against Kazakhstan, ranked 110th in the world.
Wrexham will look to move into second place in League One at home to familiar foes Stockport, who were also promoted last season.
League Two leaders Walsall go to Gillingham with second-placed Bradford at home to Colchester.
