England’s victory against Albania must be viewed through the prism of mediocre and amenable opposition but there was plenty to satisfy manager Gareth Southgate - and even the new Tottenham manager Antonio Conte.
All analysis of this 5-0 win, all goals scored and victory sewn up before half-time, comes within the context of how easily Albania were taken apart once they had got a few shuddering challenges out of their system in the opening minutes. The visitors have enjoyed a respectable campaign and, with their own World Cup hopes still alive, were portrayed as opponents who might make life difficult for an England side who started the qualifier at Wembley needing four points from this game and Monday’s visit to San Marino to be certain of their own place in Qatar next year.
Not a bit of it. This was the perfect night, especially for captain Kane who has cut a disconnected and disaffected figure at Spurs ever since a proposed summer move to Manchester City failed to materialise. Kane’s mood of discontent even crossed over into England territory when he performed so poorly that he was hooked by Southgate with 14 minutes left of the last qualifier against Hungary at Wembley, even though they were seeking a winner in a game where they were held 1-1.
This was different. This was the prime Kane. Albania were the perfect punchbag or, to use another sporting metaphor, this was like an out-of-nick world-class batter being served up a few full tosses outside the leg stump down at his local club to get his eye back in. (BBC Sport)