England vs Bulgaria result: Harry Kane hat-trick eases Three Lions to victory
Here's how the latest Euro 2020 qualifier played out
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Your support makes all the difference.Harry Kane's hat-trick helped blow away Bulgaria and continue England's European Championship qualification cakewalk.
After finishing third in the inaugural Nations League over the summer, the Three Lions got their international season under way at the stadium they hope to end the campaign at when Wembley hosts the Euro 2020 final.
England are among the favourites to lift the trophy next summer and qualification for the finals is well in hand, with March's drubbings of the Czech Republic and Montenegro followed by a 4-0 win against Bulgaria thanks to Kane's treble and a Raheem Sterling goal.
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England 1-0 Bulgaria
45 minutes
England are building the pressure now, penning Bulgaria back in their own box. Rashford breaks in behind but can't quite pick out the run of Barkley. Then Kane works space for a shot, but his effort is blocked. A second goal doesn't look far away, though.
Half time: That's it for the first half. It's not been a classic. England, despite their dominance, have been underwhelming, lacking any real fluidity. But they're doing enough, as it stands, to move back to the top of the group.
The fans will expect more entertainment after the break, though.
England 1-0 Bulgaria
48 minutes
Bulgaria have started the second half with real intent! Wanderson gets in behind the England defence and hits a powerful shot from a tight angle. Pickford does well to parry it away.
England 1-0 Bulgaria
49 minutes
Penalty for England! Rashford surges into the box from the left and beats Bodurov all ends up. The Bulgaria slides in recklessly and there's no hesitation from the referee, who points to the spot.
GOAL! England 2-0 Bulgaria (Kane)
50 minutes
Kane dispatches the penalty and England, despite Bulgaria's promising start to the half, have probably wrapped up the victory.
England 2-0 Bulgaria
51 minutes
Maguire rises highest from a corner but can only send a looping header wide. England will hope to pick Bulgaria off now, having scored that crucial second goal.
GOAL! England 3-0 Bulgaria (Sterling)
55 minutes
England are threatening to run away with it now! Kane does well to win the ball just inside Bulgaria's half and set Rashford away. The Manchester United man drives forward and spots the overlapping run of Kane on his left. Unselfishly, he chooses not to shoot, instead crossing for Sterling who nudges the ball in from a couple of yards out.
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