BELIEVE IT!
Harry rides to rescue for misfiring England
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain collected a Kane crossfield ball, spun cleverly but then sent a tame shot at goal which was easily collected by Hogg.
The whistle for half-time sparked more boos, louder this time, and a cry of “What the f ****** hell was that?’.
Hooked
A recent survey had revealed that the lowest-paid players in the Malta Premier League earned just £250 a week – around 720 times less than Manchester City’s uninspiring Sterling, who was hooked at half-time by boss Southgate and replaced with Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United starlet looked like he was ready to run at the Malta backline at pace, something badly missing in the first half, but he too soon seemed to lose his mojo.
England fans joined in the applause in the 51st minute when Andre Schembri’s 20-yard shot just missed going inside Joe Hart’s right post with the keeper beaten.
But in the 53rd minute the Spurs connection of Kane and Alli finally clicked.
Alli looked to have spurned his chance to shoot, but he kept calm to pick out Kane who slotted a low, angled shot past Hogg.
It made it four goals in his last three games for his country for Kane, including that crucial last-ditch equaliser against Scotland in June.
And any lingering England nerves were eased five minutes from time when fullback Ryan Bertrand scored a spectacular second goal from 25 yards out.
With Malta tiring, Danny Welbeck, on as a late substitute, marked his first England appearance in 18 months by hooking home from Kane’s inviting cross.
And Kane capped a fine individual display with his second goal in injurytime, slotting in Kyle Walker’s chip. Marcus Rashford Jamie Vardy Danny Welbeck Subs not used: Malta (4-5-1): Subs not used: Ref: 6 5 5