TOP MARC

Rashford puts a smile back on Southgate’s face ...as Vardy hints at a comeback

MARCUS RASHFORD was England’s goal hero – as Jamie Vardy left the door open for a Three Lions return.

Rashford struck nine minutes after half-time with a right-footed volley from Kyle Walker’s deep cross. The Manchester United forward’s winner ended the threat of England losing four games in a row for the first time in their history.

It came as 31-year-old Leicester striker Vardy, who retired from Three Lions duty ahead of the international break, said

NOBODY is under any illusions that we’ve solved racism in this country.

The ITV switch from black and white to colour in last night’s broadcast did at least remind everyone that the English game is inching into the 21st century.

Much of that progress is down to the work of Kick It Out – an organisation for too long understaffed and underfunded. But a body always willing to speak out against the racism that has shamed the game, stalled careers and is still seeing less than a handful of black managers in English football. Over the last 25 years, men and women, such as Leon Mann, Piara Powar, Paul Elliott, Lord Herman Ouseley, Troy Townsend, Keeley Baptista and Roisin Wood, have worked to maintain a voice for Kick It Out. As a body, they have achieved meaningful change. Their staff tour the country, educating young players and training staff. They work at grass roots as well as in the professional game and their presence lets players report – in confidence – abuse from fans, staff or their colleagues.

What a shame, then, that there was no mention of this at half-time.

Where were the Kick It Out ad hoardings? Where was the half-time interview with someone from the organisation being celebrated explaining what they do to the fans at the King Power Stadium?

The players wore the logo on their shirts, but, apart from that, it was hard to escape a sense of anti-climax.

Kick It Out won’t get too wound up about it. They will continue with the work they have always done over the last 25 years without any fanfare. But they deserved more last night. FROM BACK PAGE he could yet go back on his decision. Vardy, who has 26 senior caps, said: “I’ve not closed the door completely. But the time was right to let younger players come through.”

Boss Gareth Southgate risked a backlash by making nine changes to the side beaten by Spain over the weekend. Yet fans made it clear that his fears of losing the backing of the country as he attempts to shape an identity for his side were unfounded.

England captain Harry Kane began the game on the bench after starting 61 matches in all competitions since the start of last season.

He entered the fray in the 61st minute to play alongside Rashford who completed the match.

Switzerland’s best chance came in the first half when Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri hit a post.

VARDY U-TURN