MY ACCOUNT
Harry Kane became England’s all-time record goalscorer as Gareth Southgate’s side fought valiantly to beat Italy 2-1 in the opening Euro 2024 qualifying game.
The Three Lions had an excellent first-half — Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 13th minute and Kane tucked away a record-breaking penalty in the 44th minute.
Roberto Mancini’s side, who were cheered on by a raucous crowed in Naples, pulled a goal back when debutant Mateo Retegui slotted past Jordan Pickford.
Despite the Azzuri piling on the pressure as the game progressed, England held on to secure a vital three points and their first win in Italy since 1961.
Kane has his moment
Time stood still when Kane stepped up to take his first penalty for England since the France miss at the World Cup — and only 12 yards stood between him and becoming his countries all-time record goalscorer.
The result was emphatic. Kane placed his penalty into the top corner and ran away with pure elation, well aware of the history he had just created.
After a torrid experience in the summer, Kane will be delighted that he finally got his moment in front of the delirious England fans in Naples.
54 goals in 81 games is an incredible record and at 29 years old there is plenty of time for him to build on this record.
England show grit
England faced immense pressure in Naples, with the home fans in buoyant mood.
They were clinging on to a 2-1 lead with only ten men after Luke Shaw was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
England were defending increasingly deep and resorted to last-ditch tackles and time wasting — but this was required to gain all three points.
Southgate will be proud of how his side dug deep to secure the win, with the Naples crowd roaring their team forwards.
Maguire rust
Harry Maguire is famed for being a very reliable performer for England and Southgate rewarded him with a start tonight despite not featuring regularly for Manchester United.
However, Italy’s goal in the second-half did not reflect well on the centre-back.
He misplaced a pass and then jumped out to try and win the ball back but Nicolo Barella flicked it past him top create the space for Retegui to score.
If Maguire wants to continue being an England regular, he must eradicate mistakes like this.
Set-piece specialists
England have proven to be very dangerous from set-pieces under Southgate.
This trait was on display at just the right time in Naples as Bukayo Saka’s corners were the catalyst for England’s two first-half goals.
For Rice’s opener, it looked like a move that looked rehearsed at the training ground — Kane peeled off to the back post as Saka looped it towards him.
The England captain found himself some space and his deflected shot fell to Rice who put the ball in the back of the net.
The penalty was won through the exact same pattern as Giovanni Di Lorenzo stretched his arm out to try and defend Kane at the back post from another looping Saka corner.
Rice shows worth
Declan Rice has become a staple of this England side and tonight was a stark reminder as to why.
He protected the England back four well, snuffing out any potential danger that could hurt his defence.
The 24-year-old also showed his class on the ball — he was a good outlet in possession and took his goal very well.
With two major tournaments under his belt now, it is obvious that Rice is one of the first players on the team sheet for Southgate.
