England defeated Italy on their turf for the first time since 1961 as Euros Qualifiers began across Europe.
England vs Italy Euros Qualifiers:
In a repeat of the last European competition final, it was the English side who prevailed thanks to Declan Rice and Harry Kane, earning a 2-1 win against a new look Italy.
The match turned out to be a game of two halves with the visitors in control early before Roberto Mancini’s side struck back in the second period.
England took just 13 minutes to get on the scoresheet through Rice who put the ball away past Gianluigi Donnarumma following a scramble after a corner.
Harry Kane and Kalvin Phillips then missed a couple of chances before England’s captain finally got his record-setting goal from the penalty spot after Giovanni Di Lorenzo was penalised for handball.
Kane’s goal takes him past Waynee Rooney for most in England’s history and erases the hurt of missing the penalty against France in the World Cup last year.
The second half was a completely different affair however as the visitors began to tire and the Azzuri began to assert their will.
Mateo Retegui scored on his debut to halve the deficit in the 56th minute but Gareth Southgate’s men hung for their first win over Italy since 1977 despite having Luke Shaw sent off for the final 10 minutes.
Portugal vs Liechtenstein:
Meanwhile, in Group J, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated becoming the most-capped player in football history by scoring twice to help his side earn a 4-0 win.
The Al-Nassr striker tucked away a penalty in the 51st minute before slamming home a freekick in the 63rd to celebrate his 197th international appearance.
Joao Canelo and Bernardo Silva also found their way on the scoresheet.
