JESS THE JOB
Lingard ends the goal drought as Three Lions start World Cup countdown with welcome win
JESSE LINGARD handed Gareth Southgate a World Cup boost by scoring England’s first goal in three games. After goalless draws in their previous two friendlies against Brazil and Germany, Three Lions boss Southgate was desperate for a goal – and a victory – as his men count down to Russia this summer. And Manchester United midfielder Lingard delivered the tonic Southgate (above) needed with a low strike on 59 minutes past Dutch keeper Jeroen Zoet to break the deadlock – and England’s barren run. It was Lingard’s first goal for his country as England
struggled to fill the void left by injured Spurs striker Harry Kane. Southgate gave his players asthma tests in the lead up to this clash with Ronald Koeman’s Dutch stars – and England huffed and puffed until Lingard struck. They were never seriously troubled by a Dutch side who have failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments with England solid at the back.
Southgate’s game-plan suffered an early blow when Liverpool kid Joe Gomez limped off after less than 10 minutes.
But there was little to trouble Everton keeper Jordan Pickford or England’s back line.
United’s Marcus Rashford appeared to go down after 51 minutes under a challenge by Matthijs de Ligt in a three-way chase for the ball with Zoet.
But Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano refused Three Lions appeals.