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2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Harry Kane Fires England To Brink, Italy Held By Switzerland

Harry Kane scored a first half hat-trick as England romped towards the 2022 World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of Albania, but Italy still have work to do to reach Qatar after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

England nonetheless want some extent to mathematically qualify after they go to San Marino on Monday, however boast a three-point lead and six-goal benefit on aim distinction over Poland, who sealed a minimum of a playoff place with a 4-1 win over 10-man Andorra. The Three Lions can sit up for Qatar with confidence as they bounced again to kind at Wembley in model with all of the targets coming earlier than half-time.

“The primary half was unbelievable, in addition to we have performed for a very long time,” stated England boss Gareth Southgate.

“We’re finest when we’ve got an edge and this was a sport that might put us on the verge of qualification for the World Cup.”

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Harry Kane Fires England To Brink, Italy Held By Switzerland

Harry Maguire put a troublesome begin to the season at membership degree behind him because the Manchester United captain opened the floodgates with a thumping header from Reece James’ free-kick.

Kane admitted on Thursday to additionally struggling bodily and mentally from the exertions of England’s run to the Euro 2020 remaining added to the hypothesis over his future.

The England captain has scored only one Premier League aim this season, however now has six in 5 video games for his nation.

Kane headed dwelling Jordan Henderson’s cross from shut vary earlier than turning supplier for Henderson to calmly slot dwelling his first worldwide aim on dwelling soil.

England had been rampant within the first 45 minutes as Kane thrashed dwelling his second from a slim angle earlier than finishing his fourth worldwide hat-trick in spectacular vogue with a scissor kick from Phil Foden’s nook.

Kane is now degree with Jimmy Greaves as England’s fourth highest goalscorer of all time on 44 and moved forward of Wayne Rooney with essentially the most aggressive targets for the Three Lions.

European champions Italy maintained a slim benefit over Switzerland on the prime of Group C, however missed an excellent late probability to just about safe qualification when Jorginho blazed a penalty over the bar.

The Chelsea midfielder has now missed six spot-kicks for membership and nation for the reason that begin of final season.

“If he felt like taking pictures, it’s proper that he took the penalty,” stated Italy supervisor Roberto Mancini.

The guests obtained off to a flying begin in Rome when Silvan Widmer’s thunderous strike flew into the highest nook.

The Azzurri levelled 9 minutes earlier than half-time because of a well-worked set-piece that was headed in by Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Italy got a controversial late spot-kick after a VAR assessment for a push on Domenico Berrardi by Ulisses Garcia.

Jorginho additionally missed from the spot when the perimeters drew 0-0 in September and fired properly off track.

Italy maintain a two-goal benefit over the Swiss on aim distinction heading into Sunday’s remaining video games.

Northern Eire host Italy, whereas Switzerland face Bulgaria at dwelling.

Scotland assured a playoff place behind already-qualified Denmark in Group F with a cushty 2-0 win in Moldova.

Nathan Patterson and Che Adams both facet of half-time as Steve Clarke’s males secured a fifth consecutive win.

Denmark beat the Faroe Islands 3-1 to keep up their one hundred pc report.

 

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