Harry Kane made it a century to remember as he scored two goals to secure England’s three points against Finland at Wembley.
After his gold cap presentation before kick-off, a frustrating first half left the Three Lions goalless at the break, despite dominating possession.
But ever the man for the big moments, Kane sealed his 100th cap with a brace of goals, on a special night for the England captain.
Here’s five talking points from the game…
100 caps for Kane
Harry Kane walked out with his daughters as his mascots (his son had a ‘meltdown’, in Kane’s words), as he received his gold cap, presented to him by Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.His night was topped off with a 57th minute screamer, followed by a well-worked team goal in the 76th minute, making it 68 goals from 100 games. Kane’s century of appearances puts him on an illustrious list of Three Lions to reach the same milestone – with David Beckham (115), Steven Gerrard (114), Bobby Moore (108), Ashley Cole (107), Bobby Charlton (106), Frank Lampard (106) and Billy Wright (105).
Future stars of England
Rico Lewis, 19, and Angel Gomes, 24, made their debuts in the match against Ireland at the weekend, and they were in Carsley’s starting line-up at Wembley tonight. Both played with intensity and intelligence, and these fresh faces might be what Carsley is looking for to shake up the England team.
Patience with possession
With almost 80% of possession from the off, England were dominant with the ball, but it took them the best part of an hour to find the net.Some great balls into the box from Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t find an England shirt in the first half, which led to frustration in the stands, but the Three Lions remained patient. Two goals in the second half from captain Kane gave the fans plenty to celebrate on a rainy night.
Carsley doesn’t sing the National Anthem again
England’s interim manager Carsley raised a few eyebrows when he didn’t sing the National Anthem in his first match in charge in Ireland. The former Republic of Ireland international didn’t succumb to the fan’s pressure, as he again chose not to sing ‘God Save the King’ at Wembley.
Not such an easy Nations League group
Many thought Group 2 in Nations League B might be a walk in the park for England. The fourth ranked team netted two against the Republic of Ireland, ranked 58th, and another two against Finland, ranked 63rd. While it might not have been the goal fest in Group 2 some were expecting, England sit second in the table, behind Greece on goal difference, and they face the leaders, who sit 50 world ranking points beneath them, one month today.
