Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane was at the double, while Manchester United’s talisman Marcus Rashford scored one as England came from behind to record a 3-1 win over Italy in a rematch of the EUR0 2020 final at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions improved their unbeaten run at Wembley to 19 matches as they booked a place in next year’s European Championships in Germany.
???????????????????????????? See you at EURO 2024, @England ????#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/AFqbtmhQY1
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) October 17, 2023
Former West Ham United forward Gianluca Scamacca put the Azzurri in front inside the first 15 minutes of the tie with his first international goal as the Italians looked to awaken the ghost of the past for the thousands of England fans inside the London ground.
However, Kane had other ideas, as the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer drew his side level from the spot with a well-taken penalty kick that saw him equal Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for the most goals (23) at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate’s side continued to press on in the game, and it soon paid off, with a current United frontman supplying them with the goods as Rashford completed England’s comeback in the 57th minute with a brilliant strike.
Qualifying for #EURO2024 in style! ???? pic.twitter.com/bpw8apl0LI
— England (@England) October 17, 2023
The 25-year-old got the ball off the left after some brilliant work from Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park, and with more work still to be done, he weaved past a sea of blue shirts before sending a low strike into the bottom corner, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma rooted to a spot.
Kane then made the record of Wembley’s top scorer his own when he scored his second of the night, 61st of his international career and his 24th in the stadium with a brilliant solo goal on the 77th minute mark.
The win ensured England maintained their unbeaten record in Group C, as they currently sit at the summit with 16 points, five wins, and a draw after six games.
Italy, on the other hand, will be facing an uphill task as the defeat sank them into third, displaced by Ukraine after their win over Malta.
