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 18:35 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 4-0 Bulgaria

79 minutes

Mount is eager to make an impact. He has a shot blocked and then immediately tracks back to retrieve the ball. Then he attempts to link up with Sancho but the move breaks down.

[7 September 2019 18:39 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 4-0 Bulgaria

82 minutes

Another Bulgaria sub: Ivanov is off, Mladenov is on.

[7 September 2019 18:40 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 4-0 Bulgaria

84 minutes

Rose weaves his way into the box from the left and drills a shot at goal from a tight angle. It's blocked, and Bulgaria hack the ball clear. There's a fifth goal for England in this if they want it, though.

[7 September 2019 18:44 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 4-0 Bulgaria

88 minutes

Brilliant from Rashford! He accelerates towards the edge of the box, plays a clever one-two with Barkley and tries to dink the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. It strikes Iliev in the face and Rashford is denied an excellent goal.

[7 September 2019 18:47 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 4-0 Bulgaria

90 minutes

There'll be two minutes of added time.

[7 September 2019 18:48 · Callum Rice-Coates]

England 4-0 Bulgaria

90+2 minutes

Rose slides in recklessly and picks up a needless, late booking.

[7 September 2019 18:50 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Full time: That's it! It's a comprehensive, dominant win in the end. But it wasn't always as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. England will know they can improve, and Tuesday night's game against Kosovo could prove a sterner test.

For now, though, Southgate's side are sitting comfortably at the top of Group A.

[7 September 2019 19:00 · Callum Rice-Coates]

[7 September 2019 19:08 · Callum Rice-Coates]

I'll leave you with Miguel Delaney's match report from Wembley. Thanks for joining me!