England secured a thrilling 2-1 win against Italy in their first post-World Cup 2024 European Championship qualifier under dramatic circumstances.
England were 2-0 up at half time thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Tottenham great Harry Kane.
Three Lions captain Kane broke Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 international goals for the country, rising to 54 after converting from the penalty spot following a handball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Mateo Retegui halved the deficit with a grand finish on his Azzurri debut and Luke Shaw was sent off for two yellow cards in 54 seconds to add to the pressure on the visitors late on, but Gareth Southgate’s men held on.
Below, sports mail‘s Rob Draper runs the rule on the two groups of players in Naples.
Harry Kane shone as England beat Italy 2-1 in their European qualifier on Thursday night.
The Three Lions finished victorious thanks to goals from captain Kane (left) and Declan Rice
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham was also excellent for the visitors in Napoli
ENGLAND (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford – 7/10
Reliable as always for England, he is not to blame for the goal, and the distribution is also excellent.
Kyle Walker- 7.5/10
Strong at all times, he barely let Pellegrini kick until minute 56, when he played in Retegui for the goal.
John Stones – 7/10
A quiet performance, only stretched when a mistake by Maguire threw the back four. England’s most reliable defender in the storm of the second half.
Harry Maguire – 5.5/10
Exceeding the demands of his club, always a starter for England but his misplaced pass and desperate attempt to undo the mistake allowed Italy to get back into the game.
Lucas Shaw – 4/10
Excellent in the first half for both his stout defense and forward drives, but he lost his head to the red card and could have cost England the game.
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It was a night to forget for Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, who could now lose his job.
Shaw was sent off after losing his mind and receiving two yellow cards in 54 seconds
Kalvin Phillips- 6.5/10
I can’t impress Pep Guardiola, but prop Gareth Southgate proved his worth in that excellent first half, though he struggled with the rest after the break.
Declan Rice – 7/10
Superb at getting the ball out of midfield, especially in that dominant first half, but a soft yellow card made his physicality a risk.
Jude Bellingham – 8.5/10
The best shirt of the 10 at the Diego Maradona Stadium. He commanded the first half, all over Jorginho.
Tougher second half when Marco Verratti found his range.
The teenaged Bellingham commanded it, emptied the tank, and was exhausted by the end of the game.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Just one of the most exciting attacking players in Europe today, though he lacked a small final product here: but his corners at the back post set England up for a 2-0 lead.
Harry Kane-8/10
Record breaker and redeemer all rolled into one. Although it barely makes up for the Euro 2020 final or the World Cup, it was a historic night defined by a performance we expected.
Jack Grealish – 6.5/10
How did he not make it 3-0 in the 45th minute? Otherwise a typical mischievous Grealish performance, full of verve as England attacked but replaced by Foden on 69 minutes.
Redemption man Kane gave a typically complete performance, earning many petty fouls.
SUBSTITUTES
Phil Foden (by Grealish, 69), Kieran Trippier (by Foden, 81), Conor Gallagher (for Bellingham, 85), Reece James (for Saka, 85).
MANAGER
Gareth Southgate – 7/10
England then dominates with the back foot. Familiar? The difference is that this time they won.
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma 7; Di Lorenzo 5, Toloi 5, Acerbi 6, Spinazzola 5; Barella 5 (Cristante 62, 6), Jorginho 5 (Tonali 69, 6), Verratti 7 (Scamacca 88); Berardi 6 (Politano 62, 6), Retegui 7, Pellegrini 7 (Gnonto 69, 6).
Supplements (not used): Meret, Falcone; Darmian, Scalvini, Romagnoli, Emerson, Pessina.
MANAGER
Roberto Mancini – 6/10
REFEREE
Srdjan Jovanovic (Serbia) – 5/10
Many cards in a close game and, although the penalty was missed at first, the VAR proved him right. Shaw’s first reservation seemed mild.