EURO 2024

Harry Kane delivers record-breaking performance as England see off Italy

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 00:50 - 24 March 2023

England’s 10 men held on to start their qualification campaign for UEFA Euro 2024 with a 2-1 over Italy.

Harry Kane became England’s all time leading scorer as Gareth Southgate’s side started their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples.

History made in Naples as the #ThreeLions make the perfect start to #EURO2024 qualification! 💪 pic.twitter.com/qZYoBZTyYM
— England (@England) March 23, 2023

ENGLAND'S ALL-TIME RECORD GOALSCORER!

Congratulations, @HKane! 👏 pic.twitter.com/vXoeRcQrRC
— England (@England) March 23, 2023

How it happened

The Three Lions avenged the Euro 2022 final shoot-out loss to Roberto Mancini’s side with a confident performance at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

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England were in control at the break thanks to Declan Rice’s 13th-minute goal the visitors were carving Italy’s defence open time after time and Jack Grealish spurned a glorious chance to double the lead.

Harry Kane showed up to the occasion to do what he does best as he doubled England's lead with a confidently taken penalty on the stroke of half-time to put Southgate's side in a comfortable position.

LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9ock88QtFJ
— England (@England) March 23, 2023

5️⃣4️⃣: @HKane
5️⃣3️⃣: @WayneRooney
4️⃣9️⃣: @SirBobby
4️⃣8️⃣: @GaryLineker
4️⃣4️⃣: @jimmy_greaves

Harry Kane. At the very 🔝 of the England men's goalscoring list.
— England (@England) March 23, 2023

That was Kane's 54th international goal, a milestone strike that now takes him beyond legendary former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in the scoring chart.

Italy pulled a goal back thanks to debutant, Mateo Retegui just after the break. However, England did well to hold on for victory after Luke Shaw was sent off for two bookable offences with 10 minutes remaining.