Football: Late Kane goal fires lacklustre England to World Cup

LONDON (REUTERS) – Harry Kane’s stoppage time goal earned England a 1-0 victory over Slovenia on Thursday (Oct 5) and a place at next year’s World Cup finals although his last-gasp effort barely masked a sterile Wembley display by the hosts.

The England skipper pounced from close range to convert Kyle Walker’s cross in the 94th minute after a night of frustration for Gareth Southgate’s misfiring team in a half-full stadium.

A draw would have sufficed thanks to Slovakia’s 1-0 defeat away to the Scots but Kane’s effort, his 14th of the season in all competitions for club and country, at least prevented the inevitable boos that would have greeted a goalless stalemate.