Albania with the 5-4-1 scheme? Silvinjo prepares the "trap" for England

2025-03-20 10:37:00, Sport CNA

Albania with the 5-4-1 scheme? Silvinjo prepares the "trap" for

The Albanian national team is preparing for one of the most important and difficult challenges in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against England. Coach Silvinjo is considering the possibility of changing the scheme for this challenge, switching to a five-back formation to cope with the attacking power of the "Three Lions".

In press conferences, Silvinho has repeatedly stressed that he adapts his team's game to the opponent. In this case, England is a team with a formidable attack and a game based on physical power and speed.

One of the aspects where Albania has a slight advantage is the height of the defenders, so deploying three center-backs would help neutralize heading and aerial duels, which are one of England's main weapons.

If Silvinho decides to experiment with this scheme, then the formation on the field is expected to be a 5-4-1, where defense will be of essential importance.

Albania with the 5-4-1 scheme? Silvinjo prepares the "trap" for

Gjimshiti, Kumbulla and Ajeti are expected to form the defensive axis. All three are players with experience in strong defense and have good skills in aerial duels.

Ivan Balliu on the right is undisputed, while on the left the starting spot is still in a runoff between Hadroji and Aliji.

Jasir Asani is one of Albania's key players in the attacking phase and has a secure place in the lineup on the right side.

On the left, Nedim Bajrami, a creative player, is expected, who will also try to help in the defensive phase when the team is under pressure. Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani will form a strong duo in the center, which will have the task of interrupting England's actions and supporting the attack with accurate passes.

Rei Manaj or Myrto Uzuni will play in the first line, who are in good form for their clubs. Armando Broja, due to the lack of minutes at the club, is unlikely to start as a starter, but he could be activated in the second half, given that he has experience in English football.

If Silvinho decides not to change from the formation used previously, then the 4-3-3 scheme will remain, with the only change being that one of the three center-backs will sit on the bench and Qazim Laçi will be activated in the midfield instead. This scheme may work better for the attacking phase, but it would make defending against England more difficult, especially in aerial duels and in the defensive transition phase.