England finish World Cup qualifying campaign with a win

The game’s opening chance fell to Sernas for Lithuania. A low delivery came in from the left and the midfielder managed to get in front of debutant Maguire to flick an effort just wide of Butland’s post post.

England had their first real opportunity midway through the first 45 minutes when Lithuania failed to clear a Cresswell free-kick from the right. The ball fell to Keane on the edge of the box and he tried a half-volley but it flashed just wide.

The Three Lions did open the scoring minutes later after Alli was brought down in the box by Verbickas, giving away a penalty. The in-form Kane stepped up and made no mistake as he saw his strike hit the inside of the post before nestling in the net.

Rashford showed superb feet as the half drew to a close. He got to the right byline, came inside with a lovely piece of skill and released a strike that was heading for the far corner, but Setkus did well to parry away.

Lithuania ended the half on top and gave Southgate’s men a slight scare before heading down the tunnel. England failed to clear and the ball fell to Cernych on the edge of the box, he attempted a volley but it rolled just wide.

The home side again had the first attempt at goal after the restart. Sloppy defending from England allowed Sernas to let fly, but his attempt blazed over the crossbar.

Winks had an opportunity to bag a debut goal after 54 minutes. Setkus punched away from a corner, but only as far as the young midfielder, who turned inside and shot with his left foot, but the Lithuania goalkeeper saved.

Keane almost scored an embarrassing own goal on the hour mark. Cernych burst down the right and delivered a lovely low cross into the England box. The Everton defender stuck a leg out and fortunately for him, Butland was on his toes to save superbly down to his right.

Cresswell nearly got his name on the scoresheet after deep cross from Henderson. The left-back burst into the box and leaped highest to power a header towards goal, but Setkus reacted well and pushed away.

With minutes to play, Lithuania had a big opportunity to score an equaliser. A lifted ball over the England defence found Matulevicius, who drilled a volley straight at Butland. Either side of the goalkeeper and England would have been in trouble.

Substitute Sturridge had a late chance to doubled England’s lead when the ball luckily fell to him in the box. He shot on the half-volley, but Zulpa was on hand to make a superb block for the hosts.

Another uninspiring display from England, but Gareth Southgate’s men got the job done. Kane’s penalty was enough to see the Three Lions finish their World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten. Bring on Russia.