England’s qualification for Euro 2024 was sealed with a resounding victory over Italy at Wembley. Gareth Southgate’s squad needed just a single point to secure their place in Germany next summer but left no room for doubt by securing all three points in a thrilling comeback.
Harry Kane’s first-half penalty equalized Gianluca Scamacca’s early opener, and Marcus Rashford’s clinical finish during a swift counter-attack midway through the second half put England ahead. Kane put the game to bed 14 minutes from time, beating Gianluigi Donnarumma after powering through a surprisingly vulnerable Italian defence.
This win not only sees England following in the footsteps of their northern neighbours, Scotland, who secured their place in the tournament last week despite losing to Spain but also clinches the top spot in the group.
In the end, it was a straightforward victory for England, who controlled possession and had the lion’s share of chances against an Italy team missing the services of Sandro Tonali, who is currently under investigation for betting-related offences.
Jude Bellingham played a key role in England’s first two goals, earning the penalty converted by Kane and spearheading the counter-attack that Rashford finished.
Italy now drops to third place in the group after Ukraine’s victory over Malta. However, they have an opportunity to move ahead of the Eastern European side if they win their postponed game.
Speaking after the match, Kane praised Wembley as a fortress and expressed the joy of qualifying with two games remaining, crediting everyone involved in the process.
The England captain, who reached his 60th and 61st international goals in this match, appears poised for success in Germany next summer, following his impressive start in the Bundesliga after his move to Bayern Munich.
Following the victory, England fans flooded social media to celebrate, with many expressing their confidence in the team’s ability to compete for the Euro trophy.
One enthusiastic fan claimed, “We’re gonna win the Euros. How could we not with all this talent?” Another supporter said, “Absolutely love this team. We must be favourites or joint-favourites to win the Euros. Only France have the power to stop us but I’m backing us even if we draw them.” A third fan concurred, stating, “I’ve seen enough. Football’s coming home next summer!”
England performance and stats
England
England is currently playing the Euro Qualification. It won its previous match 3-1 against Italy.
