The Albanian national team conducted its official training session today ahead of tomorrow’s highly anticipated match against England at the “Air Albania” Stadium in Tirana. With all players available and the atmosphere in the camp at extremely high levels, the Red and Blacks are preparing for what could be one of the most symbolic matches in recent years. Fresh off their historic qualification to the 2026 World Cup play-offs, Albania enters this final qualifying match with both confidence and respect for one of football’s global powerhouses.
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Silvinho and Gjimshiti Address the Media: Confidence With Realism
During the official press conference held at “Air Albania”, head coach Silvinho and team captain Berat Gjimshiti shared their thoughts on the upcoming match, touching on tactics, squad morale, and the recent incident involving Armando Broja.
Silvinho spoke with great admiration for England, describing them as one of the strongest teams in the world, and among the clear favorites to win the next World Cup. With a squad full of Premier League stars and elite depth, England has already secured seven wins, 21 points, and an incredible defensive record — without conceding a single goal in the qualifiers.
Yet the Brazilian coach emphasized that Albania is not stepping onto the field to be intimidated. Instead, he expressed belief in his players, stating firmly that Albania can score against England at “Air Albania,” and that the team plans to enjoy the challenge despite its difficulty.
Team Atmosphere: High Spirits After Play-Off Qualification
One of the key points Silvinho highlighted was the strong morale within the team. Albania’s qualification to the World Cup play-offs for the first time in history has energized both players and supporters. According to the coach, this team spirit is crucial for maintaining momentum and delivering a strong performance regardless of the opponent.
Speaking about the difficult match against Andorra, Silvinho reminded the media that high-pressure games demand full focus, and sometimes frustration shows — as was the case with Armando Broja. However, the coach clarified that the incident has been resolved internally:
“I spoke with him individually and with the group. Everything is solved. He was frustrated, but this team must enjoy the moment. We are doing great things.”
Broja’s Position and Tactical Flexibility
Silvinho addressed questions regarding Broja’s role, stating that debates about whether he is a pure number 9 are secondary to the team’s overall balance. For the coach, tactical adaptability is key:
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Myrto Uzuni can play on both wings.
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Broja can adapt if needed.
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The priority remains the equilibrium between offensive creativity and defensive stability.
Silvinho reiterated that Albania’s defensive strength is not due to having the world’s best defenders, but due to organizational discipline and the sacrifice of all 11 players on the pitch.
England: Even Stronger Than Before
When asked whether England is stronger than during their first encounter, Silvinho did not hesitate:
“Unfortunately yes. Their numbers are incredible. They have improved a lot in six months.”
He praised the work of the English coaching staff, noting that great teams need time to reach full potential — and England appears to have found its rhythm at exactly the right time. However, he insisted that Albania will prepare something special and attempt to break the English defensive wall.
Managing Risk: Players with Yellow Cards
A key challenge for Silvinho is balancing tomorrow’s match with the crucial play-off games in March. With five players carrying yellow cards and at risk of suspension, the coaching staff must think strategically. Silvinho confirmed that decisions will be made after the final training session, acknowledging the difficulty of preparing for England while simultaneously protecting the squad for future knockout matches.
A Historic Moment for Albania
As the press conference concluded, one thing was clear: this Albania team is not only achieving results, but also building identity, unity, and ambition. Silvinho’s emotional connection to the country — “I feel at home here” — reflects the energy of a national team entering a new era.
Tomorrow’s match will not define Albania’s qualifying campaign, but a positive performance against one of the world’s elite sides could elevate the team’s confidence even further ahead of the play-offs.
Whether Albania scores, draws, or simply fights with dignity, the Red and Blacks have already made history — and the journey is far from over.