EURO 2024 QUALIFYING | HENRY WINTER
North Macedonia vs England: Tough questions after Kane’s rescue act
North Macedonia 1 England 1; Striker plays key role in equaliser for Gareth Southgate’s side after Rico Lewis concedes controversial penalty on debut
England equalised just before the hour mark thanks to an Atanasov own-goal that was forced by Kane
ALEX GRIMM/GETTY IMAGES
In the city of statues, England must have been tempted to erect one to Harry Kane. He is a colossal figure for his country. Without him, England laboured for almost an hour. With Kane, they immediately looked more secure, more certain in their movements and they equalised within 40 seconds of his arrival, Kane forcing an own goal by Jani Atanasov. The man with No 20 on his back brought the score.
For nearly an hour, England lacked a forward focus. They lacked belief, authority and cutting edge. They also, at times, lacked footing on a relaid surface that was substandard for international football. If England players had wanted sand in their international break, they would have gone to Dubai.
But they are going to
