England only needs a point from their trip to San Marino next week to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after they thrashed Albania 5-0 at Wembley. Gareth Southgate’s football team leads Poland by three points but entering into the last round of qualifiers it has a better goal difference, and even the most surprising of defeats may still see the Three Lions qualify for next winter’s tournament in Qatar.
Reece James’ free-kick was met by the head of Harry Maguire, and the Manchester United captain propelled England into the lead. Phil Foden had a golden chance to make it two nearly immediately after the kick-off, but his effort flew high and wide. Myrto Uzuni was put through on Jordan Pickford by Kyle Walker’s errant back pass, but the Everton goalkeeper stood firm and denied him from close range.
England extended their lead after 18 minutes as James, Phil Foden, and Jordan Henderson teamed up in the right channel, and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson’s cross was touched in by Harry Kane. The Three Lions added a third when Henderson darted forward from midfield to connect up with Kane and score a goal of his own before Kane completed his hat trick with a powerful finish from a tight angle.
And Kane completed his hat trick with a spectacular scissor-kick from Phil Foden’s corner as England led 5-0 at halftime. In the second half after the break the Spurs striker had a half-chance to score, but he couldn’t keep his effort down, while James had a fantastic chance to score when he was put through by Jude Bellingham, but he misjudged his shot.
In front of a sell-out Wembley crowd, Emile Smith Rowe made his senior England debut in the closing moments as Southgate’s team cruised to victory. Watch football highlights as England thrashed Albania in an attempt to qualify for the World Cup tournament in Qatar.
