• England's Harry Kane celebrates after levelling the scores at 1-1 in the Uefa Nations League match against Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich. AP
    England's Harry Kane celebrates after levelling the scores at 1-1 in the Uefa Nations League match against Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich. AP
  • Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Germany with Jack Grealish. Getty Images
    Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Germany with Jack Grealish. Getty Images
  • Harry Kane scores from the penalty spot. Reuters
    Harry Kane scores from the penalty spot. Reuters
  • Kane is fouled by Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck, resulting in a penalty after a VAR review. PA
    Kane is fouled by Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck, resulting in a penalty after a VAR review. PA
  • Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande checks the VAR screen before awarding England a penalty. Getty
    Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande checks the VAR screen before awarding England a penalty. Getty
  • Jonas Hofmann celebrates giving Germany the lead. Reuters
    Jonas Hofmann celebrates giving Germany the lead. Reuters
  • Jonas Hofmann celebrates at Allianz Arena. Getty
    Jonas Hofmann celebrates at Allianz Arena. Getty
  • England's Jordan Pickford reacts. Action Images
    England's Jordan Pickford reacts. Action Images
  • Manuel Neuer celebrates after Germany take the lead. Getty
    Manuel Neuer celebrates after Germany take the lead. Getty
  • England's Mason Mount and Germany's Joshua Kimmich in action. EPA
    England's Mason Mount and Germany's Joshua Kimmich in action. EPA
  • England manager Gareth Southgate watches the action. Getty
    England manager Gareth Southgate watches the action. Getty
  • England's Declan Rice reacts during the match. AP
    England's Declan Rice reacts during the match. AP
  • Germany forward Thomas Muller and England's Declan Rice battle for the ball. AFP
    Germany forward Thomas Muller and England's Declan Rice battle for the ball. AFP
  • England's Harry Kane is out of luck. Reuters
    England's Harry Kane is out of luck. Reuters
  • Harry Kane reacts after a missed chance. Getty
    Harry Kane reacts after a missed chance. Getty
  • A frustrated Raheem Sterling. AP
    A frustrated Raheem Sterling. AP
  • England manager Gareth Southgate reacts. EPA
    England manager Gareth Southgate reacts. EPA
  • Germany's coach Hansi Flick. EPA
    Germany's coach Hansi Flick. EPA

England take on Italy behind closed doors as Kane eyes Rooney record


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Harry Kane will have Wayne Rooney's England goals record in his sights when the Three Lions take on Italy in the Nations League on Saturday.

Kane continued his fine form this season by scoring his 50th international goal to seal a 1-1 draw with Germany.

The Tottenham striker moved into outright second - just three behind Wayne Rooney - on England's list of all-time leading goalscorers, passing Bobby Charlton's total of 49.

"It's a really nice feeling," Kane told Channel Four.

"I had a couple of early chances and thought it could be one of those days. It's good to get the goal and it's just a shame we didn't nick it in the end."

Kane will be eager to make the most of the next two opportunities to overtake Rooney. After opening their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 loss in Hungary and hard-fought draw in Germany, the Three Lions return home for back-to-back matches at the Molineux.

Tuesday's fixture against Hungary will be played in front of a sell-out crowd in Wolverhampton but Saturday's glamour clash with Italy will be played in front of mostly empty stands, bar a few thousand local school children.

Manager Gareth Southgate says it is an "embarrassment" for the country that England's match with Italy has to be played behind closed doors as punishment for fan disorder at the Euro 2020 final.

The Football Association is having to host the match behind closed doors as part of Uefa's punishment for issues that marred the Euro 2020 final, with a number of ticketless supporters forcing their way into Wembley 11 months ago.

Harry Kane's 50 international goals

  • 1) Harry Kane scored his first goal for England on his senior debut in the 4-0 win against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2015. Getty
    1) Harry Kane scored his first goal for England on his senior debut in the 4-0 win against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2015. Getty
  • 2) Kane strikes in the 6-0 win against San Marino on September 5, 2015. Getty
    2) Kane strikes in the 6-0 win against San Marino on September 5, 2015. Getty
  • 3) A third England goal came in the 2-0 victory over Switzerland on September 8, 2015. Getty
    3) A third England goal came in the 2-0 victory over Switzerland on September 8, 2015. Getty
  • 4) A fine 3-2 win for England in Germany and another Kane goal to celebrate on March 26, 2016. Getty
    4) A fine 3-2 win for England in Germany and another Kane goal to celebrate on March 26, 2016. Getty
  • 5) England beat Turkey 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2016, and it's another goal for Kane. Getty
    5) England beat Turkey 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2016, and it's another goal for Kane. Getty
  • 6) More than a year without an England goal but Kane is back on target in the 2-2 draw with Scotland in Glasgow on June 10, 2017. Getty
    6) More than a year without an England goal but Kane is back on target in the 2-2 draw with Scotland in Glasgow on June 10, 2017. Getty
  • 7) Not long to wait for the next one, as Kane bags another goal in the 3-2 defeat in France on June 13, 2017. The FA
    7) Not long to wait for the next one, as Kane bags another goal in the 3-2 defeat in France on June 13, 2017. The FA
  • 8) Despite the defeat, it was a decent night for Kane as he scored his second against France. Getty
    8) Despite the defeat, it was a decent night for Kane as he scored his second against France. Getty
  • 9) A 4-0 win for England against Malta in Valetta on September 1, 2017, and Kane scores his first of the night. Getty
    9) A 4-0 win for England against Malta in Valetta on September 1, 2017, and Kane scores his first of the night. Getty
  • 10) Soon to be followed by his second against Malta, and Kane is in double figures for his country. Getty
    10) Soon to be followed by his second against Malta, and Kane is in double figures for his country. Getty
  • 11) England beat Slovenia 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on October 5, 2017, with Kane scoring the only goal. Getty
    11) England beat Slovenia 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on October 5, 2017, with Kane scoring the only goal. Getty
  • 12) Three days later, on October 8, 2017, England win 1-0 in Lithuania with the Tottenham striker on target again. Getty
    12) Three days later, on October 8, 2017, England win 1-0 in Lithuania with the Tottenham striker on target again. Getty
  • 13) Kane is one of the scorers as England beat Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018. Getty
    13) Kane is one of the scorers as England beat Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018. Getty
  • 14) The 2018 World Cup group stages in Russia and England beat Tunisia 2-1 in Volgograd on June 18, with Kane getting both. Getty
    14) The 2018 World Cup group stages in Russia and England beat Tunisia 2-1 in Volgograd on June 18, with Kane getting both. Getty
  • 15) Kane celebrates his second against Tunisia. Getty
    15) Kane celebrates his second against Tunisia. Getty
  • 16) It was looking good for England in 2018 after a crushing 6-1 win against Panama on June 24. The Three Lions talisman helped himself to a hat-trick at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Getty
    16) It was looking good for England in 2018 after a crushing 6-1 win against Panama on June 24. The Three Lions talisman helped himself to a hat-trick at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Getty
  • 17) Kane scores England's second against Panama from the penalty spot. Getty
    17) Kane scores England's second against Panama from the penalty spot. Getty
  • 18) It's a hat-trick for Kane against Panama. Getty
    18) It's a hat-trick for Kane against Panama. Getty
  • 19) England draw 1-1 with Colombia in Russia, with Kane getting the important goal. The Three Lions advanced after a penalty shoot-out. Getty
    19) England draw 1-1 with Colombia in Russia, with Kane getting the important goal. The Three Lions advanced after a penalty shoot-out. Getty
  • 20) Another milestone as Kane scores in the 2-1 win against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on November 18, 2018. Getty
    20) Another milestone as Kane scores in the 2-1 win against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on November 18, 2018. Getty
  • 21) England beat Czech Republic 5-0 at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2019, with Kane adding another goal to his tally. Getty
    21) England beat Czech Republic 5-0 at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2019, with Kane adding another goal to his tally. Getty
  • 22) Another goal in the 5-1 win in Montenegro at Podgorica City Stadium on March 25, 2019. Getty
    22) Another goal in the 5-1 win in Montenegro at Podgorica City Stadium on March 25, 2019. Getty
  • 23) A second England hat-trick in the 4-0 victory against Bulgaria on September 7, 2019. AFP
    23) A second England hat-trick in the 4-0 victory against Bulgaria on September 7, 2019. AFP
  • 24) Kane's second goal against Bulgaria. Getty
    24) Kane's second goal against Bulgaria. Getty
  • 25) The hat-trick against Bulgaria came from the penalty spot. Getty
    25) The hat-trick against Bulgaria came from the penalty spot. Getty
  • 26) Kane scores England's second in their 5-3 win against Kosovo at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, on September 10, 2019. Getty
    26) Kane scores England's second in their 5-3 win against Kosovo at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, on September 10, 2019. Getty
  • 27) England are beaten 2-1 by the Czech Republic in Prague on October 11, 2019 - but Kane still scored. Getty
    27) England are beaten 2-1 by the Czech Republic in Prague on October 11, 2019 - but Kane still scored. Getty
  • 28) A thumping 6-0 win for England in Bulgaria on October 14, 2019, with Kane again on the scoresheet. Getty
    28) A thumping 6-0 win for England in Bulgaria on October 14, 2019, with Kane again on the scoresheet. Getty
  • 29) England thrash Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley Stadium on November 14, 2019, and it's another hat-trick for Harry Kane. Getty
    29) England thrash Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley Stadium on November 14, 2019, and it's another hat-trick for Harry Kane. Getty
  • 30) Kane celebrates his second goal against Montenegro. Getty
    30) Kane celebrates his second goal against Montenegro. Getty
  • 31) Another England hat-trick for Kane, against Montenegro. Getty
    31) Another England hat-trick for Kane, against Montenegro. Getty
  • 32) England win 4-0 in Kosovo on November 17, 2019, with Kane opening the scoring. Getty
    32) England win 4-0 in Kosovo on November 17, 2019, with Kane opening the scoring. Getty
  • 33) Albania are beaten 2-0 in Tirana on March 28, 2021, with Kane getting his 33rd for England. Getty
    33) Albania are beaten 2-0 in Tirana on March 28, 2021, with Kane getting his 33rd for England. Getty
  • 34) The Three Lions beat Poland 2-1 on March 31, 2021, at Wembley Stadium, with Kane scoring again. Getty
    34) The Three Lions beat Poland 2-1 on March 31, 2021, at Wembley Stadium, with Kane scoring again. Getty
  • 35) Kane celebrates hitting the back of the net as England beat Germany 2-0 during Euro 2020 on June 29, 2021. Getty
    35) Kane celebrates hitting the back of the net as England beat Germany 2-0 during Euro 2020 on June 29, 2021. Getty
  • 36) A 4-0 triumph for England against Ukraine in Rome on July 3, 2021, and it's two more for Kane. Getty
    36) A 4-0 triumph for England against Ukraine in Rome on July 3, 2021, and it's two more for Kane. Getty
  • 37) Kane scores his second against Ukraine. Getty
    37) Kane scores his second against Ukraine. Getty
  • 38) A 2-1 triumph against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley Stadium on July 7, 2021, with another for Kane. Getty
    38) A 2-1 triumph against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley Stadium on July 7, 2021, with another for Kane. Getty
  • 39) England win 4-0 in Bulgaria on September 2, 2021, with Kane playing his part with a goal. Getty
    39) England win 4-0 in Bulgaria on September 2, 2021, with Kane playing his part with a goal. Getty
  • 40) Kane gets his 40th Three Lions goal in the 4-0 win against Andorra at Wembley on September 5, 2021. Getty
    40) Kane gets his 40th Three Lions goal in the 4-0 win against Andorra at Wembley on September 5, 2021. Getty
  • 41) Kane is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the 1-1 draw with Poland in Warsaw on September 8, 2021. AFP
    41) Kane is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the 1-1 draw with Poland in Warsaw on September 8, 2021. AFP
  • 42) Another treble in the 5-0 win against Albania at Wembley Stadium on November 12, 2021. Getty
    42) Another treble in the 5-0 win against Albania at Wembley Stadium on November 12, 2021. Getty
  • 43) Kane scores again against Albania. Getty
    43) Kane scores again against Albania. Getty
  • 44) Kane scores England's fifth goal and his hat-trick against Albania. Getty
    44) Kane scores England's fifth goal and his hat-trick against Albania. Getty
  • 45) He goes one better, and nets four times against San Marino in England's 10-0 win on November 15, 2021 in Serravalle. Getty
    45) He goes one better, and nets four times against San Marino in England's 10-0 win on November 15, 2021 in Serravalle. Getty
  • 46) Another for Kane against San Marino. Getty
    46) Another for Kane against San Marino. Getty
  • 47) Three for Kane against San Marino. Getty
    47) Three for Kane against San Marino. Getty
  • 48) And a fourth against San Marino. Getty
    48) And a fourth against San Marino. Getty
  • 49) Kane scores England's second in the 2-1 win against Switzerland at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2022. Getty
    49) Kane scores England's second in the 2-1 win against Switzerland at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2022. Getty
  • 50) Kane makes history with his 50th goal for England in the 1-1 draw against Germany in Munich on June 7, 2022. AFP
    50) Kane makes history with his 50th goal for England in the 1-1 draw against Germany in Munich on June 7, 2022. AFP

"Well if it is an embarrassment, it is for England as a country really," England boss Southgate said.

"A lot of the people who caused the problems I am not certain were football fans but we have spoken enough about it.

"We spoke after the final, we spoke when the punishment was first given."

Meanwhile, Southgate said he "will not outstay" his welcome as England manager following criticism of his side's winless start to their Nations League campaign.

England are at the bottom of League A Group 3 in the Nations League with one point. Southgate, who led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final in 2021, signed a new contract through to the end of 2024 in November last year.

"I won't outstay my welcome but I think I can do a good job for the team, and I think we have done a good job for the team," Southgate told reporters.

"If you look back I have always said it. I am not going to be here forever am I? There will be another England manager.

"The major part of that is how the players are. Do I still feel the players give everything and respond to what we do? Yes I do."

It will be the first time England and Italy have met since the Azzurri came out on top in the Euro 2020 final but manager Roberto Mancini does not believe Southgate's side are out for revenge.

"I don't think it's about revenge. In the future maybe, but not now," he said.

"This is a different match in the Nations League. For them it's important to try something new for the World Cup and England will maybe change many players."

  • Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini with the Euro 2020 trophy next to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after the team arrived at the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome on Monday, July 12. Italy won the Euro 2020 final against England on Sunday.
    Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini with the Euro 2020 trophy next to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after the team arrived at the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome on Monday, July 12. Italy won the Euro 2020 final against England on Sunday.
  • Giorgio Chiellini lifts the Euro trophy in front of Italy fans after Italy arrived at the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome.
    Giorgio Chiellini lifts the Euro trophy in front of Italy fans after Italy arrived at the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome.
  • Italy captain Giorgio Chielliniand manager Roberto Mancini with the European Championship trophy after arriving at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci airport.
    Italy captain Giorgio Chielliniand manager Roberto Mancini with the European Championship trophy after arriving at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci airport.
  • Giorgio Chiellini with the winners trophy after Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final.
    Giorgio Chiellini with the winners trophy after Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final.
  • Italy manager Roberto Mancini and Giorgio Chiellini holding the European Championship trophy after arriving at Rome's Fiumicino airport.
    Italy manager Roberto Mancini and Giorgio Chiellini holding the European Championship trophy after arriving at Rome's Fiumicino airport.
Updated: June 11, 2022, 12:21 PM