England vs Kosovo prediction: How will Euro 2020 qualifier play out at St Mary's?
Jadon Sancho announced himself on the international stage in some style, scoring twice on a night when England's ruthless edge made up for some shambolic defending in a thrilling, high-scoring win against Kosovo.
A sell-out St Mary's crowd bore witness to the most entertaining qualifier in many a year as Gareth Southgate's men continued their march to Euro 2020 with an enthralling, if at times unconvincing, 5-3 victory on the south coast.
Defensive errors gifted Kosovo a shock opener and then second-half hope, but a clinical first half proved decisive as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane goals were complemented by an own goal and quickfire brace from Sancho in a helter-skelter clash.
Here our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney explains why Kosovo will be an entirely different force for England to reckon with compared to their previous matches:
Gareth Southgate makes three changes from the team that comfortably beat Bulgaria on Saturday. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell come in for Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose at right back and left back respectively. And there's a start for Jadon Sancho, who replaces Marcus Rashford.
Kosovo boss Bernard Challandes, meanwhile, has spoken highly of Southgate's England team:
"We are Kosovo and we are here against one of the best teams in the world, in my opinion - the best team in the world.
I think it is in my philosophy that if we don't dream it is unnecessary to play such games, we should dream and do all that is possible to disturb England."
Kosovo sit just a point behind England in the Group A standings and are yet to lose a game in this qualification campaign. They are, then, very much the surprise package of the tournament so far. Challandes' side sit in a healthy position after a 2-1 victory over Czech Republic on Saturday, but few expect them to upset England tonight.
Mason Mount and James Maddison are again on the bench for England tonight. There have been calls for both to start, particularly after Mount's impressive cameo against Bulgaria. But they will have to take their chance if called upon as substitutes.
Gareth Southgate, speaking to ITV Sport: "Jadon Sancho is in to freshen up the team. We have good players to come in and it's a chance in the wide areas to refresh the group.
"His ability one against one to beat players, his decision making is excellent. His number of goals and assists at Dortmund speaks for itself."
Kosovo manager Bernard Challandes, speaking to ITV Sport: "Clearly, for the players, it was a dream to play at Wembley. As a coach a game is a game, perhaps to play here it's better for us.
"It was at first a disappointment but now we play against England, the stadium is very nice.
