England secured their third win in three for their Euro 2020 campaign in a very kind group with a 4-0 win at Wembley against Bulgaria.
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry Kane’s hat trick against the Bulgarians took him past Sir Geoff Hurst in England’s all time scoring charts.
Two of the goals were scored from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling played him in from an error by Bulgarian goalkeeper Plamen Iliev at a goal-kick.
Kane returned the favour for Sterling’s goal as England made light work of their visitors.
He has now scored 25 goals in just 40 appearances, behind record goal scorer Wayne Rooney on 53.
Only Gary Lineker, with 27, scored more in 40 games.
But at the age of just 26, Kane has plenty of time to continue racking up the goals and will be looking to overhaul Lineker and Rooney in years to come.
England now face Kosovo – a side which was only accepted into UEFA in 2016 – which could contain players with Manchester City links.
Goalkeeper Aro Muric is currently on loan (but out of favour) at Nottingham Forest while attacking midfielder Bersant Celina is a former academy product who signed for Swansea City last season.
Huddersfield Town’s Florent Hadergjonaj might also be named at right back while striker Atdhe Nuhiu of Sheffield Wednesday might also appear.
Despite their relative inexperience on the European stage Kosovo are currently second in Group A but this will probably not deter Southgate from experimenting with the England line-up to play at Saint Mary’s.
Chelsea youngster Mason Mount, made his England debut during the Bulgaria win and Manchester United players Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jesse Lingard missed out on game time after withdrawing from the squad with injuries.
The stage seems to be set for the likes of James Maddison and Tyrone Mings to get their first starts while Trent Alexander-Arnold could also get a game.