The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
– Kane void –
England have had to cope without talismanic striker Harry Kane through injury for all of their last four friendlies.
However, Vardy furthered his case should Southgate have to cope without Kane once more in Russia by blasting ruthlessly into the roof of the net from Jesse Lingard’s quickly taken free-kick.
Italy will not be joining England in Russia come the summer having failed to qualify for the first time in 60 years.
But the difference in motivation for both sides failed to show as a slew of substitutions began in the second half with many England players unable to make an impression in their final match before Southgate names his provisional 23-man World Cup squad.
Post-match reaction from Gareth Southgate: pic.twitter.com/TGubobexv7
— England (@England) March 27, 2018
England’s lack of goals without Kane continues to be a concern for Southgate.
Kane has scored seven goals in his last six international appearances, but without the Spurs striker England lacked a cutting edge to kill the game off.
They were nearly punished when Insigne volleyed across Butland and just beyond the far post 10 minutes from time.
But there was no such reprieve five minutes later.
The decision to use VAR at the World Cup has not been an entirely popular one due to mixed results from a series of trials across the world.
But replays proved Tarkowski had trod on Chiesa’s foot and Insigne wasn’t distracted by a lengthy wait to take the penalty as he smashed low into Butland’s right-hand corner.
