England held by Hungary in World Cup qualifier

England’s path to the 2022 World Cup hit an unexpected stumbling block when they were held to a draw by Hungary in a qualifier Gareth Southgate called a “big disappointment”.

The game was marred by crowd violence between Hungary fans and stewards and police.

Southgate’s side are still in pole position to reach Qatar but this was a disjointed display despite England taking on the Hungarians with an attacking line-up.

The early stages at Wembley were overshadowed by ugly scenes involving Hungary fans, who jeered England’s players while holding up a banner protesting against taking the knee before clashing with police and stewards.

In a subdued atmosphere and after a semblance of order had been restored, Hungary took the lead in the 24th minute when Luke Shaw was penalised for a high challenge on Loic Nego and Roland Sallai sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way from the spot.

England were level before halftime, John Stones turning in at the far post after Tyrone Mings and Declan Rice touched on Phil Foden’s free-kick.

Hungary then survived in relative comfort, Harry Kane’s struggles for form summed up when England’s captain was substituted even though they were searching desperately for a winner.

“I don’t think we played at the level we have done and Hungary defended very well. We didn’t do enough to win the game,” Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I don’t know if subconsciously we thought this was going to be an easier game because we beat them comfortably [4-0] in September but they’ve been very good defensively right through the summer.

“In the first few minutes we were taking heavy touches and colliding into tackles. We didn’t show the composure and quality that we have done generally.”

Ronaldo grabs hat trick

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hattrick as Portugal recorded an emphatic World Cup qualifying win over Luxembourg at the Estadio Algarve.

The victory leaves Portugal second in Group A, a point behind Serbia who they host in their final game.

Ronaldo knocked in two penalties and rounded off the scoring with a header as he recorded his 58th hattrick for club and country.

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Palhinha added the other goals.

Fernandes superbly drove a low shot into the bottom-right corner as the hosts went 3-0 up inside 18 minutes.