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regular-article-logo Monday, 14 October 2024

UEFA Nations League: Harry Kane hits target twice on his 100th England appearance

Down by a goal after 100 seconds, Germany force their way back to go Dutch in Amsterdam

Our Bureau London Published 12.09.24, 10:49 AM
England captain Harry Kane (right) shoots at the Finland goal during the Nations League match atWembley Stadium on Tuesday. (Reuters)

England captain Harry Kane (right) shoots at the Finland goal during the Nations League match atWembley Stadium on Tuesday. (Reuters) Peter Cziborra

England captain Harry Kane marked his 100th senior international appearance in trademark fashion with both goals in his team's 2-0 victory over a feeble Finland side in Nations League Group B2 at Wembley on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Bayern Munich striker, who received a golden cap before kick-off and sported a pair of dazzling golden boots, broke Finland's gritty resistance with a dipping right-footed strike in the 57th minute.

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At times it appeared to be a battle between Kane and Finland's impressive keeper Lukas Hradecky on a wet London night with the stopper making several fine saves to deny the striker.

But a razor-sharp Kane beat Hradecky again in the 76th minute, sweeping in another right-footed effort to take his England tally to a record-extending 68.

Kane, who also had a first-half header ruled out for offside, was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 80th minute.

England's win was their second under interim manager Lee Carsley after the away victory over Ireland on Saturday and puts them joint top of their Nations League group with Greece who beat Ireland 2-0 on Tuesday.

While the debate about whether Carsley can become the full-time manager in the wake of Gareth Southgate's resignation following Euro 2024, the statistics make a compelling argument that Kane is his country's greatest striker.

He became only the third player to score on his 100th England appearance, although Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton only managed to hit the net once on their big nights.

"It was a big night for me, really proud. I want to score goals and help the team. Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong," Kane, the first England men's team player to reach 100 caps since Rooney in 2014.

"I always back myself to score goals and I am excited for the future."

Entertaining draw

Germany conceded a goal after 100 seconds but forced their way back to share the points as they drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in an entertaining clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Deniz Undav scored on his first start for Germany and captain Joshua Kimmich netted the second for a 2-1 half-time lead after the Dutch grabbed an early goal through Tijjani Reijnders.

But the hosts recovered to equalise through Denzel Dumfries early in the second half in a game played at a quick tempo and with occasional flashes of temper to make it a spicy derby.

Germany top the standings, level on four points with the second-placed Netherlands, after both won their opening group games on Saturday. Bosnia, who are third, and Hungary in fourth place have a point apiece after they drew 0-0 in Budapest.

Netherlands, who beat Bosnia 5-2 in their opener, got off to a dream start as a perfect through ball from Ryan Gravenberch set Reijnders away to storm down on goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and expertly tuck the ball into the net.

The Dutch had two more clear-cut chances to extend their lead but Dumfries headed wide from Xavi Simons’ 15th minute free kick and five minutes later Simons had a chance of his own, with only the keeper to beat, after another accurate pass from Gravenberch, but hit his effort straight at Ter Stegen.

But while the home side created opportunities, the Germans dominated possession, moving the ball around quickly, and soon had the Dutch on the back foot.

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