Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — England manager Gareth Southgate will count on Harry Kane to continue his goalscoring form against Slovakia tonight as his side close in on qualification for next year’s World Cup soccer finals.

Kane belied his August goal drought with Tottenham Hotspur to score twice as England won 4-0 against Malta on Friday, taking his tally to five goals in his last three international appearances.

If England prevail against Slovakia they will need just two points from their last two games to secure automatic qualification and Southgate says the firepower in his squad gives him plenty of options.

“It has been brilliant to look at the bench and be able to bring on Marcus (Rashford), Danny (Welbeck), Jamie Vardy,” said the England manager, whose team lead Slovakia by two points.

“We’ve got (Jermain) Defoe and (Daniel) Sturridge on there, so we’ve got some real quality and people who can make an impact.

“The bench in the modern game is crucial because the last 15 to 20 minutes are so important.” — AFP.