Raheem Sterling scored one and created three more as England survived Kosovo’s second-half comeback to win a chaotic encounter 5-3 and maintain their 100 per cent record in Euro 2020 qualifying.
Gareth Southgate’s side fell behind inside the first minute as Michael Keane made a dreadful error which allowed Valon Berisha to open the scoring after just 35 seconds.
Their response thereafter was initially emphatic. Sterling equalised in the eighth minute before captain Harry Kane struck 11 minutes later to put England back in front. A Mergim Vojvoda own goal and a brace from Jadon Sancho – his first senior international goals – put the home side 5-1 up at the interval following some scintillating attacking play with Sterling at its heart.
The game appeared set-up for England to run riot but Kosovo – in the midst a 15-game unbeaten run of their own – refused to be bowed and rallied admirably, scoring twice in ten minutes following the restart.
Declan Rice gifted Kosovo possession in England’s half and Berisha found space in the box to slot past Jordan Pickford before a clumsy tackle from Harry Maguire afforded Vedat Muriqi the chance to bring the visitors within two from the penalty spot.
Pickford went the right way but couldn’t keep it out and suddenly England were wobbling. Kane had the chance to settle any nerves after Ross Barkley drove into the box and was fouled by Amir Rrahmani.
The Tottenham striker has been imperious from 12 yards of late but his spot-kick – slightly delayed by encroachment for which substitute Leart Paqarada was booked – was saved by Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Muric then brilliantly denied Sterling in somewhat unorthodox fashion, flying out to turn the Manchester City winger’s effort onto the post with his legs.
Kosovo continued to fight admirably but left Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium empty-handed as England secured a win which gives them a three-point lead at the top of Group A.
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