Written-off Defoe repays Southgate’s confidence with 20th England goal

the side ranked 107th in the world when Defoe turned home midway through the first half.

England reverted to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1, despite Wednesday’s successful dalliance with 3-4-3 in the narrow 1-0 loss in Germany, while Lithuania adopted a packed defence.

The decision to start poacher Defoe and the quick Raheem Sterling seemed a smart move in a bid to unlock Edgaras Jankauskas’s men, but early attempts to break through the lines were cut off. Midfield congestion and poor delivery prevented England turning their 80 per cent possession into a clear-cut opportunity until midway through the first half.

The first chance came courtesy of Lallana’s ingenuity, sending a cutting ball through the Lithuanian backline only for Ernestas Setkus to spread himself well to thwart Defoe.

The danger was not quelled for long, though. Sterling’s directness saw him burst down the left, with his cutback converted impressively by Defoe. It was a cool finish, and the widely travelled striker quickly attempted to get a second with a 25-yard snapshot that went wide.

Sterling’s trickery threatened to unlock the visitors as England looked to increase their lead, but the opening period ended with a let-off for the Three Lions. Vykintas Slivka somehow avoided the offside flag and beat captain Joe Hart to a header on goal that John Stones hacked away before the ball crossed the line.

This highlighted the need for a second goal, and Southgate made a double change on the hour. The introduction of Marcus Rashford and Vardy – for Sterling and Defoe – paid off six minutes later when the Leicester striker finished well after a sublime Lallana touch turned a Kyle Walker pass into his path.

Rashford and Alli had efforts to add to the scoreline, with the former booked for handball before sending a lovely ball through which Vardy lifted just over.

Lithuania threatened in fits and starts but only England ever really looked like scoring, with Eric Dier heading over before full-time was called.