Gareth Southgate’s England thrashed San Marino 10-0 on Monday in a one-sided affair that saw goals flying in from all angles. The victory means England have secured a place in the 2022 World Cup.
An assist from Emile Smith-Rowe saw Harry Kane score four goals, taking his total of goals scored for England to 46, and making him the country’s third top scorer, on par with Gary Lineker.
Kane also got a consecutive hat-trick, becoming the first player to do so in an England international since Tommy Taylor in 1957.
It was an easy one for England, as Phil Foden swung the ball from a corner towards the centre of the penalty area, and Harry Maguire headed it into the back of the net just as he did against Albania on Friday.
Filippo Fabbri scored an own goal after deflecting a pass from Bukayo Saka, leading the ball to bounce into the bottom right corner of the goal.
There was a beautiful goal for Smith-Rowe on his first start for England. Tammy Abraham back heeled the ball towards Smith-Rowe, who shot the ball in from ten yards.
The fourth goal for Kane made it 6-0 before halftime as he matched Ian Wright’s achievement away to San Marino in 1993. He headed towards the penalty area before shooting a low shot at the far right of Benedettini’s goal.
After a fantastic outcome, Kane spoke with ITV. He said: “As you see with other groups, it’s not easy to qualify… it’s a tough battle and to go through is a fantastic feeling.”
Southgate also spoke with ITV after the result, saying: “I’ve got to credit all of our players and staff for a really good year, even in a game like tonight…We finished with a very young side and a lot of promise for the future.”
