Kane treble puts England on brink of World Cup finals
LONDON: Harry Kane fired England to the verge of World Cup qualification as he became his country’s record goalscorer in competitive matches with a hat-trick in Friday’s 5-0 demolition of Albania.
Gareth Southgate’s side need a draw in their last Group I qualifier at San Marino on Monday to seal their place at next year’s tournament in Qatar.
After Harry Maguire put England ahead early in the first half, Tottenham striker Kane seized the Wembley spotlight with a virtuoso display of finishing.
Kane’s first half treble moved him above Wayne Rooney to set a new England record with 39 goals in 55 competitive internationals.
Rooney holds England’s record in all competitions with 53 goals, while Kane is now level with Jimmy Greaves on 44.
Kane has endured a troubled spell for Tottenham, scoring just once in 10 Premier League appearances this season, and he admitted this week he has struggled mentally and physically since England’s agonising Euro 2020 final defeat on penalties against Italy in July.
But the 28-year-old, who failed in his protracted bid to join Manchester City in the closeseason, has remained prolific for England.
“The pressure was on a little bit. Whenever I get chances I feel I’m going to score and there was quite a few out there today. I could have had six,” Kane said.
Jordan Henderson also netted for England in a blistering fivegoal first half for the Group I leaders.
Sitting three points ahead of second placed Poland, England, unbeaten in the group, are odds on to finish the job against minnows San Marino.
Unconvincing draws against Poland and Hungary in two of their previous three qualifiers had sparked suggestions England were running out of steam after an emotional year.
But Southgate had demanded a higher tempo performance than England delivered against Hungary and his players gave a stylish response to the challenge.
“The first half was fantastic, as well as we’ve played for a long time,” Southgate said.
“We’re best when we have an edge and this was a game that could put us on the verge of qualification for the World Cup.
“I thought Harry gave a brilliant centre forward’s performance. His all-round game was excellent.”
Kane completed his treble in spectacular fashion in first half stoppage-time with a scissor kick.
That made him the first England player to bag a perfect hat-trick – scoring with a header, his right foot and his left foot – since David Platt against San Marino in 1993.
Whenever I get chances I feel I’m going to score and there was quite a few out there today. I could have had six.
— Harry Kane, England forward