Internationals - Kane scores in rare England qualifying loss
Fri 11 October 2019, 21:59|
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane scored again for England but it was little consolation for the skipper as the Three Lions lost out to the Czech Republic in Euro 2020 qualifying on Friday night - a first tournament qualifying loss in 10 years.
Starting alongside Danny Rose, Harry gave England the perfect start in Prague. A pinpoint pass sent Raheem Sterling into the box, he was fouled and Harry clipped his spot-kick down the middle for England goal number 27 in 42 caps and a 1-0 lead with only five minutes on the clock.
That lead only lasted four minutes as Jakub Brabec converted from a corner. Harry provided chances for Sterling and Jadon Sancho in the second half and then failed to connect with Sterling's pass in front of goal. The home side then grabbed the win with five minutes left through Zdenek Ondrasek. It was Danny's 29th cap and Harry Winks was an unused substitute.
England stay top of Group A with a game in hand on the Czech Republic with three matches remaining. They face Bulgaria in Sofia on Monday night.
Elsewhere in Euro 2020 qualifying, Moussa Sissoko started as a late replacement for N'Golo Kante as France picked up an important 1-0 win against Iceland. France are second, level on points with Turkey but now six clear of third-placed Iceland with three matches left in Group H. That was Moussa's 60th cap. Tanguy Ndombele was an unused substitute.
Good news for Oliver Skipp, who earned his first cap for England Under-21s after coming off the bench on 63 minutes in the Young Lions' 2-2 friendly draw against Slovenia. Brandon Austin was an unused substitute.
Meanwhile, Jamie Bowden started for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s in a friendly against Denmark, who won 1-0 in Sligo.
Saturday's action
Christian Eriksen - Denmark home Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland - kick-off 5pm
Davinson Sanchez - Colombia friendly against Chile in Spain - kick-off 5pm
Paris Maghoma - England Under-19s Marbella International Cup match against Belgium in Spain - kick-off 3pm
