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

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.

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.

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.