England vs Kosovo result: Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho star in helter-skelter Euro 2020 qualifier
Follow all the action live as England look to extend their unbeaten Euro 2020 qualifying run
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jadon Sancho announced himself on the international stage in some style, scoring twice on a night when England's ruthless edge made up for some shambolic defending in a thrilling, high-scoring win against Kosovo.
A sell-out St Mary's crowd bore witness to the most entertaining qualifier in many a year as Gareth Southgate's men continued their march to Euro 2020 with an enthralling, if at times unconvincing, 5-3 victory on the south coast.
Defensive errors gifted Kosovo a shock opener and then second-half hope, but a clinical first half proved decisive as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane goals were complemented by an own goal and quickfire brace from Sancho in a helter-skelter clash.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of England vs Kosovo as Gareth Southgate's side look to extend their unbeaten Euro 2020 qualifying run.
And here's England's starting eleven, with Jadon Sancho, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell all back in the side.
Team News
Gareth Southgate makes three changes from the team that comfortably beat Bulgaria on Saturday. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell come in for Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose at right back and left back respectively. And there's a start for Jadon Sancho, who replaces Marcus Rashford.
And here's five players who have a point to prove tonight starting with England's exceptionally talented trailblazer, Jadon Sancho:
Here's what Gareth Southgate has had to say about tonight's opposition:
It will be a very different style of game.
Kosovo will be very high pressing, hard working, a more attacking threat than we faced on Saturday. Maybe there will be more space to play up front."
Kosovo boss Bernard Challandes, meanwhile, has spoken highly of Southgate's England team:
"We are Kosovo and we are here against one of the best teams in the world, in my opinion - the best team in the world.
I think it is in my philosophy that if we don't dream it is unnecessary to play such games, we should dream and do all that is possible to disturb England."
Kosovo sit just a point behind England in the Group A standings and are yet to lose a game in this qualification campaign. They are, then, very much the surprise package of the tournament so far. Challandes' side sit in a healthy position after a 2-1 victory over Czech Republic on Saturday, but few expect them to upset England tonight.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments