‘Form is temporary’ – the words of England’s head coach Gareth Southgate after the match-winning in reference to Harry Kane who scored a hat trick in England’s world cup qualification against Albania.
In a 5-0 victory in favor of England, Harry Kane who is struggling at the club level silenced his critics yesterday night after notching in three goals at Wembley.
The Wembley crowd was treated to one of the best matches at home witnessing Kane’s brilliance with also Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson entering the scoring list.
It was quite the performance given the skipper’s recent struggles and the result means England only needs to avoid defeat in San Marino, the world’s lowest-ranked side, to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Speaking after the game Southgate heaped praise on Kane’s performance saying he was so much happy for his all-around performance in the pitch.
“Form is always temporary,” Southgate said of Kane. “What pleased me most was his all-around performance.
“We know he’s going to score goals but I really liked the way he was aggressive in his hold-up play.
“He was running in behind and his link play was really on the song and that was helped as well by good movement around him.”
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring against Albania; Photo Credit – The Independent
Kane moved on to a record 39 competitive goals for England with his hat-trick and level in the all-time goalscoring rankings with the late Jimmy Greaves on 44.
The skipper’s performance epitomized the kind of “edge” that Southgate felt was missing in last month’s draw 1-1 draw with Hungary.
“I don’t think we hit the level of performance last time out that we that we should,” said the Three Lions boss.
“We were very clear on the specifics as to why that was.
Southgate said that despite a draw with Hungary in their last outing yesterday night game England showcased their strength, ability to proceed to the next stage.
“But bar that I thought the first-half performance was a really very good football, very composed playing through the pressure of the opponent, very creative.’ He said.
England was well composed both offensive and defensive, in the second half, the Gareth Southgate team created more chances than they scored.
“I think the crowd was fabulous tonight, and it’s great that we’ve sent them home having seen the five goals in the attacking play that we showed,” Southgate said.
Harry Maguire hit back at critics after scoring the first goal for England; Photo Credit – Sky sports
It took Southgate’s side only nine minutes to take the lead, with Maguire heading in a free-kick from Reece James. The Manchester United defender celebrated by cupping his ears to the crowd as he slid across the turf, apparently signaling critics.
Another header, the first of Kane’s goals, extended the lead in the 18th. England broke down the left led by James before a combination between Phil Foden and Henderson, who provided the cross for Kane.
Henderson then got his first England goal at Wembley, with an assist from Kane before he skipped past two defenders and shot into the net.
Raheem Sterling was the provider for Kane’s second in the 33rd, slipping a pass into his path before the ball was lifted past goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
And it was Foden’s corner that Kane met in first-half stoppage time with the scissor kick to wrap up the win that allowed England to ease off after the break.
“Whenever I get chances I feel I’m going to score and there was quite a few out there,” Kane said. “I could have had six on another night.”
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