TIRANA/BAKU: England and France both completed their World Cup qualifications with victories which merely confirmed command of their groups en route for the finals in central and north America next summer.

Harry Kane grabbed a late double to hand England a 2-0 victory away to Albania in Group K. He tapped home from close range in the 74th minute when Albania failed to deal with a corner then headed home a cross from substitute Marcus Rashford eight minutes later.

In keeping a clean sheet, Thomas Tuchel’s side became the first European nation to qualify for a World Cup by winning all their games without conceding a goal in a group featuring at least six games.

England also became just the fifth European team to qualify for a World Cup with a 100pc record after finishing Group K with a maximum 24 points from their eight games, scoring 22 goals.

Coach Thomas Tuchel played down Jude Bellingham’s angry reaction to being substituted near the end just after helping cerate Kane’s second goal.

France cruise

A second-string French side overcame a nervous start beat Azerbaijan 3-1 away after sealing their spot against Ukraine on Thursday.

France top Europe’s Group D with 16 points from six games after goals by Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maghnes Akliouche plus an own goal from Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev helped them recover from Renat Dadashov’s opener.

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