Harry Kane stole the show on a historic night as 10-man England earned a famous win in Italy.
The Three Lions captain struck his 54th goal for his national team to break Wayne Rooney’s record as Gareth Southgate’s side brushed their hosts aside in the first half.
Declan Rice had already earned his side the lead but, after the break, Mateo Retegui pegged England back before Luke Shaw’s sending off set up a nervy finale.
England held on as Southgate earned his 50th win as England manager and his side’s first in Italy since 1961. It’s a vital three points to kick off the Euro 2024 qualification campaign in Group C with Ukraine visiting Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Nizaar Kinsella reviewed the performances in England’s first match since their World Cup disappointment.
Jordan Pickford - 6
An error in possession at the end of the first half, but only had to make one save despite England playing with 10 men for the last 15 minutes.
Kyle Walker - 6
A conservative and unglamourous full-back performance where he was harshly booked for wasting time.
Harry Maguire - 6
A proactive defensive performance, winning balls high up the pitch and his play in possession was outstanding until Italy scored. Even still he justified his selection despite not being an automatic starter for Manchester United.
John Stones - 6
Similarly excellent in building attacks as Maguire but without quite the same dominance in his duels. He made a host of blocks late on when England were under pressure.
Luke Shaw - 5
Having excelled at the World Cup, his set-piece delivery caused Italy problems tonight, perhaps unlucky to be sent off when earning England’s third yellow card for dissent.
Jude Bellingham - 8
A class act. Regularly has opposition on the back foot and dominated an Italian midfield to build on his sensational World Cup displays. Like others, found it harder later on.
Declan Rice - 7
Opened the scoring by planting a shot into the corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal on his weaker left foot. Excellent in the first half, but faded after Roberto Mancini’s smart tactical switches.
Kalvin Phillips - 6
Southgate’s most questionable selection due to a lack of minutes at Manchester City, but came close with a long-range shot in the 32nd minute. Helped dominate possession in the first half but understandably faded while lacking fitness.
Bukayo Saka - 7
His whipped corner led to Rice’s opener, while the Arsenal winger also worked England’s first shot of the game. Excellent on the break and created chances throughout.
Harry Kane - 8
Broke England’s all-time goalscoring record during an immaculate first half in which he was the best player on the pitch. A Three Lions legend.
Jack Grealish - 5
His running off the ball cost him chances, and missed a sitter in first-half stoppage time. He was the first player to be substituted, which wasn’t a surprise.
Substitutes
Phil Foden - N/A
The Man City winger spent most of his time defending as England lost their way late on, unlucky to be substituted following Shaw’s red card.
Conor Gallagher - 6
A nice cameo breaking up the play late on, just as he has been doing for Chelsea in recent weeks.
Kieran Trippier - 6
He was already arguing with the Italy players and officials before coming on and brought his experience in the last few minutes to guide England home for victory.
Reece James - N/A
Aaron Ramsdale, Fraser Forester; Ben Chilwell; Eric Dier, Marc Guehi; Jordan Henderson, James Maddison; Ivan Toney
