Led by England's all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane, the Three Lions have enjoyed a successful start to EURO qualifiers, beating defending champions Italy.

The English defeated the Squadra Azzurra 2-1 (2-0) at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona thanks to a strong first half. Captain Kane scored the 54th goal in the English national football team for the European runners-up, who had lost to the Italians on penalties in the European Championship final three and a half years ago at Wembley Stadium. The 29-year-old Tottenham Hotspur center forward passed ex-professional Wayne Rooney.

Kane scored in his 81st international match with a penalty (44th minute). After viewing the video, the referee ruled on Giovanni Di Lorenzo's handball in an aerial duel with Kane. "A wonderful performance," ex-pro Gary Lineker, who had scored 48 goals for England himself, immediately congratulated the record holder via Twitter.

Declan Rice gave coach Gareth Southgate's visitors the lead in the 13th minute. Mateo Retegui (56th) scored for Italy after the break. From the 80th minute, the English had to play outnumbered after a yellow-red card against Luke Shaw.