By Daily Sports on October 13, 2021

England’s path to the 2022 World Cup hit an unexpected stumbling block when they were held to a draw by Hungary in a qualifier marred by crowd violence at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate’s side are still in pole position to reach Qatar but this was a disjointed display despite England taking on the Hungarians with an attacking line-up.

The early stages at Wembley were overshadowed by ugly scenes involving Hungary fans, who jeered England’s players while holding up a banner protesting against taking the knee before clashing with police and stewards.

In a subdued atmosphere and after a semblance of order had been restored, Hungary took the lead in the 24th minute when Luke Shaw was penalised for a high challenge on Loic Nego and Roland Sallai sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way from the spot.

England were level before half-time, John Stones turning in at the far post after Tyrone Mings and Declan Rice touched on Phil Foden’s free-kick.

Hungary then survived in relative comfort, Harry Kane’s struggles for form summed up when England’s captain was substituted even though they were searching desperately for a winner.

The notion of Kane being taken off as they pressed for a winning goal might have been unthinkable at one point but he could have no complaints here when he was replaced by Tammy Abraham with 14 minutes left.

It came just after he had snatched at a chance in a manner which reflected a striker searching in vain for form and confidence.

Kane's performance was very average throughout, a shadow of the player who has been a spearhead for England for so long.

He had set up a chance for Raheem Sterling just before he was taken off. Sterling, one of a record five Manchester City players in England’s starting line-up, could not cash in and was also taken off at the same time as Kane. He is another who is currently nowhere near his best.

Kane will surely bounce back but it was a display that once again poses the questions about how much he has been affected by a summer of speculation when he wanted to leave Tottenham for Manchester City but eventually had to stay in north London.

He does not look himself and the sooner the old spark returns the better for England and Spurs. (BBC)

•PHOTO: England players  

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 13, 2021

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