Captain Harry Kane scored again as England scored two wins from two in Euro 2024 qualifying by beating Ukraine 2-0 at Wembley on Sunday.
In the 37th minute, Kane turned home his 55th international goal from Bukayo Saka’s cross. In-form Arsenal winger Saka all but ended Ukraine’s resistance three minutes later, turning from Jordan Henderson’s pass and curling a sublime strike from outside the area into the top corner. The victory takes England three points clear at the top of the early Group C table after winning in Italy on Thursday for the first time since 1961.
“Two wins out of two is all we asked for at the start of the camp,” midfielder Jude Bellingham told Channel 4. “We’ve followed up a really good result in Italy with another one tonight, and when you do that, it feels rewarding.”
Gareth Southgate’s men performed in their first home game since France’s agonizing World Cup quarter-final defeat last December. Ukraine failed to muster a shot on target, and Conor Gallagher, Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish all went close to netting a third for the hosts late on.
England will face Malta and North Macedonia in June in their next qualifying action. After that, the top two teams in each group will automatically book a place in next year’s European Championship in Germany.
Ronaldo scores double as Portugal thumps Luxembourg
Cristiano Ronaldo extended his international goals record to 122 with a double as Portugal thrashed Luxembourg 6-0.
The 38-year-old diverted in Nuno Mendes’ headed pass to give Roberto Martinez’s men a ninth-minute lead. Goals from Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva put the game to bed inside 18 minutes before Ronaldo slotted home his second from Bruno Fernandes’ through ball in the 31st minute. Late strikes from substitutes Otavio and Rafael Leao, who also missed a penalty, rounded off a fine performance from Portugal, who are already clear at the top of Group J.
Reigning champions Italy bounced back from their loss to England with a straightforward 2-0 away win over Malta. Argentine-born forward Mateo Retegui followed up his debut goal against England by opening the scoring early on. Monza midfielder Matteo Pessina made it two before the half-hour mark, and Italy comfortably saw out the victory.
In June, Italy will face Switzerland and Northern Ireland in their next qualifying action. After that, the top two teams in each group will automatically book a place in next year’s European Championship in Germany.
Meta Description: England and Portugal both secured wins in their Euro 2024 qualifying matches, with Harry Kane scoring for England and Cristiano
