KEIR RADNEDGE at WEMBLEY: Harry Kane struck his 67th and 68th international goals to celebrate having become the 10th man to make 100 national team appearances for England as they defeated Finland 2-0 in their UEFA Nations League tie at Wembley.
England started on the front foot but their 31-year-old captain was frustrated in a scoreless first half in pursuit of the goal to add to the golden cap presented to him before kickoff. The last centurion, almost 10 years ago, was Wayne Rooney who had also marked the occasion with a goal.
Kane finally broke through decisively twice after the interval. His goals were his 26th and 27th in 35 England appearances at Wembley adding up go 11 in his last eight matches at the national stadium. Victory was no more than England deserved after dominating in front of a 70,221 crowd; Finland had only 20pc of possession and not one shot on target.
Apart from Kane this was also a big night for interim manager Lee Carsley whose claim to become the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate were strengthened with the victory which followed his debut success in Dublin against the Irish Republic last Saturday.
Carsley had made four changes to his starting line-up, including a start for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, the surprise choice in the squad. Gomes was outstanding in the defensive midfield role.
England took command from the start and Kane’s first chance came, and went, in the 20th minute with keeper Lukas Hradecky beating out his drive. Finland‘s Topi Keskinen immediately went close at the other end before play switched back downfield again and Kane had a headed ‘goal’ ruled out for offside.
** Greece beat the Republic of Ireland in the other League B Group 2 tie with goals from Ioannidis and Tzolis **
Trent Alexander-Arnold was narrowly wide of Hradecky’s right-hand post and then arrowed a free kick wide of the other upright before the interval.
The pattern of play was maintained in the second half. Kane had a free kick superbly stopped by Hradecky who also saved sharply from Anthony Gordon before England’s leader finally thumped home the breakthrough goal for which England and their fans had been waiting.
Carsley livened up his attack in the closing stages to decisive effect with the introductions of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. A lightning quick exchange between Alexander-Arnold and Madueke set up Kane for his and England’s second goal before he was duly substituted to a deserved personal ovation.
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