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England have secured qualification for Euro 2024 after putting Italy to the sword at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate's men needed just a point to book their flight to Germany next summer but took all three after coming from behind to win 3-1. Harry Kane's first-half penalty cancelled out Gianluca Scamacca's opener before Marcus Rashford put England in front by smashing home at the end of a swift counter attack mid-way through the second 45.
Kane then wrapped the game up with 14 minutes to play after slotting past Gianluigi Donnarumma having bruised his way through a surprisingly leaky Italian defence. The victory not only sees England follow in the footsteps of neighbours-to-the-north Scotland, who qualified for the tournament last week despite losing 2-0 to Spain, but also sees them secure top spot in the group.
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It was a routine win in the end for England, who controlled most of the ball and had the lion's share of the chances against an Italy side forced to battle on without Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali, who is under investigation for betting offences. Jude Bellingham, who was at his impervious best tonight, was involved in England's opening two goals – winning the penalty which Kane dispatched before spearheading the counter attack that Rashford finished off.
The result sees Italy drop to third in the group following Ukraine's win over Malta. However, they'll have the chance to leapfrog the eastern European side if they win their game in hand.
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"We've made [Wembley] a real fortress over the years," Kane said after the game. "We can enjoy this. It's been tough journey, to qualify with two games to go it's a credit to everyone involved."
The England skipper, who scored his 60th and 61st international goals tonight, should feel right at home in Germany next summer following the lightning start he's made to life in the Bundesliga. Since his £100million move to Bayern Munich, Kane has netted nine goals in 10 matches and is already a fan favourite at the Allianz Arena.
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After the match, England fans swarmed to social media to celebrate, with some thoroughly convinced the Three Lions have what it takes to bring home the trophy next year. One X user wrote: "We're gonna win the Euros. How could we not with all this talent?"
Another said: "Absolutely love this team. We must be favourites or joint-favourites to win the Euros. Only France have the power to stop us but I'm backing us even if we draw them." A third agreed, adding: "I've seen enough. Football's coming home next summer!"
- Gareth Southgate
- Euro 2024
- Breaking News
- England Football Team
- Harry Kane
- Marcus Rashford
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