England to brink of Qatar WC as Kane hat-trick sinks Albania

England captain Harry Kane plundered a hat-trick before halftime in a 5-0 hammering of Albania at Wembley on Friday to all but guarantee his side’s spot at next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Two draws in their last three Group I matches for Gareth Southgate’s team left the door ajar for Poland in the qualifying race, but Kane slammed it shut in memorable fashion as he moved level in fourth place on England’s all-time scoring list.

England defender Harry Maguire settled any early nerves with a ninth-minute headed opener before Kane’s spree began when he also headed in from close range after 18 minutes.

With Albania in disarray, Jordan Henderson weaved through to make it 3-0 before Kane powered in his second from a tight angle and then completed his fourth England hat-trick in stunning fashion on the stroke of halftime.

It moved him level on 44 England goals with former Tottenham Hotspur great Jimmy Greaves who died in September.

With one match remaining England have 23 points to Poland’s 20 and a better goal difference ahead of the formality of a final trip to group whipping boys San Marino on Monday when a point will confirm their place at the 2022 finals.

Albania’s capitulation ended their slender hopes of grabbing a playoff spot as they are now five points behind Poland.

It has been a troubling start to the domestic season for Kane who has one Premier League goal for Tottenham Hotspur.

Kane has also now scored 39 competitive goals for his country, breaking Wayne Rooney’s record of 37.

ARR