Southgate's praise for record-breaking Kane

SPURS STRIKER BAGS HIS 53RD GOAL FOR ENGLAND

- SIMON PEACH

GARETH Southgate praised Harry Kane for his quality, mentality and professionalism after becoming England’s all-time top scorer in Thursday’s 2-1 win at reigning European champions Italy.

The 29-year-old equalled Wayne Rooney’s 53-goal national record haul by scoring from the spot in their World Cup quarterfinal against France in Qatar just 103 days ago.

But that night is best remembered for Kane missing his second spot-kick in a disappointing last-eight exit, making his historic strike in Thursday’s European qualifier in Naples all the sweeter.

Declan Rice scored before the skipper lashed home a penalty to become the first man ever to score 54 goals for England, who held on for a 2-1 win after Mateo Retegui’s goal and a late Luke Shaw red card.

“Well, firstly his overall performance tonight was outstanding,” England boss Southgate said of record-breaking Kane. “I thought he really dominated the centrebacks, his link play was really good.

“You could see right from the beginning of the game he was really on it.