England vs Bulgaria result: Harry Kane hat-trick eases Three Lions to victory

Here's how the latest Euro 2020 qualifier played out

Gareth Southgate: England must keep evolving

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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Key Points

• ​Harry Kane gives England an early lead 
• Kane doubles lead from penalty spot just after half-time
• Raheem Sterling adds a third from close range
• Kane completes hat-trick with second penalty

[7 September 2019 16:56 · Callum Rice-Coates]

The players are out at Wembley! There aren't too many familiar faces in the Bulgaria lineup, although they are fielding a couple of neutralised Brazilians: winger Wanderson makes his debut, while his Ludogorets teammate Marcelinho starts up front.

[7 September 2019 16:58 · Callum Rice-Coates]

The national anthems have been sung! We're almost ready to get underway...

[7 September 2019 17:01 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England kick off and immediately launch the ball towards the Bulgaria box. Expect this to be very much a game of attack vs defence.

[7 September 2019 17:03 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

2 minutes

Sterling attempts to latch onto a Kane pass in behind the Bulgaria defence but it's prodded behind for the game's first corner. Barkley's delivery is straight at the first man, but drops to Rashford, who sees a powerful effort blocked.

[7 September 2019 17:05 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

5 minutes

England have monopolised the ball in the early stages, probing patiently and looking for an opening. The visitors have been well organised so far, though.

[7 September 2019 17:07 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

5 minutes

Bulgaria break down the left through Wanderson, who picks out Marcelinho in the box. The latter hits a low shot on his left foot, but it deflects of Keane and it's an easy save for Pickford. Promising signs for Bulgaria, though.

[7 September 2019 17:09 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

9 minutes

The away side appear to be growing in confidence, seeing more of the ball and continuing to threaten on the break. England have been a little hesitant so far.

[7 September 2019 17:11 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

11 minutes

Sterling gets the crowd on their feet for the first time, driving past Popov and attempting to send the ball across goal on his left foot. His cross is blocked for a corner, which comes to nothing.

[7 September 2019 17:15 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

15 minutes

It's all a bit stagnant from an England perspective. Bulgaria are finding it fairly easy to keep them at bay, sitting deep in their own half and closing off any gaps that appear.

Rose attempt to inject some life into the game, drilling the ball towards the edge of the box where Henderson is waiting. The Liverpool midfielder catches it sweetly on the volley but his effort flies high and wide.

[7 September 2019 17:18 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 0-0 Bulgaria

17 minutes

Sterling beats two players and surges towards the box. But Malinov does brilliantly to get a foot in and stop the England man before he can make any more progress.