England came from behind to beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night, securing qualification for Euro 2024 in Germany. Gareth Southgate’s side booked their place in next summer’s tournament by avenging the heartbreak of the Euro 2020 final two years ago.
Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring before a Harry Kane brace on either side of Marcus Rashford’s second-half strike cemented top spot in Group C.
Express Sport runs through four things learned from England’s latest victory, extending the unbeaten run since their 2022 World Cup exit in Qatar to eight games.
England earn vengeance under the arch
Less than 900 days ago, Italy broke England hearts by coming from behind themselves to inflict a penalty shootout defeat that crushed the nation’s dreams.
It was a completely different story this time around. England were the victors. And it was blatantly clear which country had progressed since that fateful night in the summer of 2021.
Italy’s hopes of defending their crown have taken a significant blow, months after their absence from the 2022 World Cup, with Ukraine leapfrogging Luciano Spaletti’s men into second with victory in Malta.
Italy can move level on points by beating North Macedonia next time around. But they would then face somewhat of a Euro 2024 play-off against Ukraine in their final fixture.
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Marcus Rashford back in the goals
Rashford has endured a difficult season at club level. That said, who hasn’t during a turbulent period at Manchester United in recent months?
Southgate handed the 25-year-old a rare England start – a strong show of faith in such an important clash.
And Rashford delivered, producing a trademark goal by cutting inside and zipping a venomous strike into the far bottom corner.
He often impresses when handed a chance to feature for his country. There should’ve been more of them at the World Cup. But he will be eyeing a starting berth at Euro 2024.
Wembley faithful get behind Henderson
Jordan Henderson will have suffered a troublesome few days since being the subject of boys from the England crowd during Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win against Australia.
Henderson captained the side but has faced criticism for his decision to leave Liverpool and join Steven Gerrard’s Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq in the summer.
England boss Southgate and his teammates rallied behind Henderson in the build-up to the Italy clash.
And the fans present at Wembley responded, ensuring the cheers crowded out the boos as he came on as a second-half substitute.
