England 5-0 Albania: Harry Kane scores hat-trick as Three Lions close in on World Cup placeon November 12, 2021 at 9:39 pm

Harry Kane scores a superb hat-trick as England brush aside Albania to put themselves on the brink of qualification for next year’s World Cup.

Kane get then got his first of the night when he headed in Jordan Henderson’s cross before the latter produced a composed finish for only his second England goal.

Albania continued to fall apart as they struggled to cope with England’s attack and the fourth goal duly arrived when Raheem Sterling and Kane combined to open up the defence before the Tottenham striker smashed the ball into the far corner of the net.

That goal took Kane onto 38 in 55 competitive games – moving him above Wayne Rooney as having scored more competitive goals for England than anyone else.

But he saved his best finish of the half for his hat-trick goal just before the break when he acrobatically volleyed in at the far post to make it 5-0.

That put him level with Jimmy Greaves on 44 goals scored for England in all competitions. He needs nine more to equal Rooney’s all-time record of 53 goals.

England now need just one more point to assure qualification from Group I for the World Cup in Qatar next year. Gareth Southgate’s side are at San Marino on Monday.

Full Time