In a Group C qualifier at Wembley on Tuesday, England demonstrated their resilience by staging a comeback to defeat reigning champions Italy 3-1 and secure a spot in the Euro 2024 finals.
Harry Kane showcased his scoring prowess with a brace, while Marcus Rashford also found the back of the net. Italy took an early lead in the 15th minute, courtesy of Gianluca Scamacca connecting a cross from Giovanni di Lorenzo. However, England managed to equalize in the 32nd minute when Jude Bellingham was brought down in the penalty area by Di Lorenzo. Following a lengthy VAR check, Kane confidently converted the penalty, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma diving in the wrong direction. Rashford extended England's lead to 2-1 in the 57th minute, unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom corner after a clever assist from Bellingham.
Kane completed his brace in the 77th minute, maneuvering past defenders to score. With an unbeaten run and 16 points from six games, manager Gareth Southgate celebrated joyfully as his side secured qualification for the finals. Kane's goals also elevated his Wembley tally to 24, surpassing Bobby Charlton's record of 23 goals at the stadium. Italy, now on 10 points, are left to fight Ukraine for the second qualifying spot from the group. Needing only a draw to secure their place in the finals in Germany, England fielded a completely changed lineup from the second-string team that defeated Australia 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley on Friday.
The new lineup demonstrated immediate improvement, showcasing slick passing and the influential presence of Bellingham in midfield, while Italy remained a threat on the counter. Kalvin Phillips, who had not started for England since March, formed a midfield trio with Bellingham and Declan Rice, despite his limited game time at the club level with Manchester City. Jordan Henderson, who captained the team on Friday, began the match on the bench. Before kickoff, a moment of silence was observed for two Swedish soccer fans who tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident before a qualifier against Belgium in Brussels on Monday.
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