England 3-1 Italy: Marcus Rashford scores brilliant goal as England book place at Euro 2024.
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Updated 17/10/2023 at 21:16 GMT
A fine counter-attacking goal from Marcus Rashford saw England beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley on Tuesday in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final that heaped pressure on the visitors. England are now guaranteed a spot at Euro 2024 next summer in Germany but Italy are now at a real risk of not qualifying directly with a win for Ukraine. Italy are, though, assured of a play-off spot.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Marcus Rashford of England celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on October 17, 2023 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Harry Kane netted a brace as England qualified for UEFA Euro 2024 courtesy of a 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate’s side only needed a point to secure their place in next summer’s finals but they clinched the victory to seal it in style along with top spot in Group C.
Italy had threatened to spoil the party when former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca lashed home Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s cutback to net his first goal in Azzurri colours on 15 minutes.
England responded and Kane levelled from the spot with his 60th goal for his country just past the half hour after Di Lorenzo was penalised for bringing down Jude Bellingham.
The home side dominated for the majority of the second half and moved in front on 57 minutes when the impressive Bellingham set up Marcus Rashford to fizz in a brilliant goal on the counter attack.
Kane then made sure of the points 13 minutes from time when a show of strength, guile and pace saw him outfox two Italy defenders before coolly beating Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The result sees the Three Lions maintain top spot in the group on 16 points, three ahead of Ukraine who have played one game more. Italy are third on 10 points.
England will now sign off their Group C campaign in the November international period when they follow a home match against Malta with a trip to North Macedonia. Italy host the Macedonians before visiting Ukraine in what looks like being a crucial clash in the battle for second place.
Talking point - England banish demons and cement position as one of the main contenders for Euro 2024.
The night did not go to plan at first, but England responded and really stepped it up after the interval.
In many ways it developed into a perfect occasion as not only did Southgate and Co book their place in the finals with two games to spare, but they did it by outclassing the reigning European champions – the side who broke their hearts in the final this very stadium two years ago.
It was also an evening where Bellingham once again stood out as a monster of an emerging talent in the world game. Indeed, there was clear excitement amongst supporters being treated to another fine display from a group of players who have the unity and spirit to go with their talent.
Southgate now has two games to experiment with his line-up and give his squad players important minutes on the pitch as he looks to put together the right pool of players to go one better in Germany and end England’s long wait for a major trophy.
Player of the match - Harry Kane (England)
In all honesty this was a toss up between the Bayern man and Bellingham.
Kane was at the heart of the home side’s best moments, playing a major role in the move that led to the spot kick and carving out openings for his teammates.
He had to remain focused throughout a lengthy VAR check for the penalty, but was ice cool and then produced a superb solo effort to sew up qualification in the second period.
Player ratings
ENGLAND: Pickford 8, Walker 8, Trippier 8, Stones 8, Maguire 8, Rice 8, Phillips 6, Bellingham 9, Rashford 8, Foden 7, Kane 9*. Subs: Guehi 6, Henderson 6, Grealish n/a.
ITALY: Donnarumma 7, Udogie 7, Acerbi 6, Scalvini 6, Di Lorenzo 6, Barella 6, Cristante 6, Frattesi 6, El Shaarawy 6, Scamacca 7, Berardi 6. Subs: Dimarco 6, Kean 5, Bastoni 6, Raspadori 5, Orsolini n/a.
Match highlights
15’ – GOAL! – England 0-1 Italy. Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca slams home his first goal for his country from close range after a neat overlap and cut back from Di Lorenzo.
32’ – GOAL! – England 1-1 Italy. Kane finds the side netting with his 60th goal for his country, sending Donnarumma the wrong way from the spot. The penalty was awarded after Di Lorenzo caught Bellingham in the area.
57’ – GOAL! – England 2-1 Italy. Rashford surges in from the left and rifles a low shot into the far corner after brilliant build-up play from Bellingham.
77’ – GOAL! – England 3-1 Italy. Kane surely seals it for the Three Lions as he holds off Bastoni and beats Scalvini to the ball in the right channel before coolly beating the advancing Donnarumma.
Key stats
- Kane’s brace tonight saw him overtake Bobby Charlton (23) to become England’s all-time top scorer at Wembley (24 goals).
- Kane has been directly involved in 33 goals in his last 30 appearances for England (27 goals and six assists), including either scoring or assisting in each of his last 10 games for the Three Lions.
- England have suffered just one defeat in their last 63 major tournament qualifiers (World Cup/Euros) and are unbeaten in their last 36 such home games (W32 D4), since losing to Croatia in 2007 under Steve McClaren.
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