London: Defending champions Germany clinched a place at next year’s World Cup in Russia with a 3-1 win at Belfast against Northern Ireland, while England laboured to beat Slovenia 1-0 at the Wembley to secure their berth.
Sebastian Rudy and Sandro Wagner struck brilliant first half goals before Joshua Kimmich added a late third as Joachim Loew’s team made it nine wins out of nine in European qualifying Group C, Thursday.
“We’re off to Russia, to tear it up! We want to successfully defend the World Cup title,” said Bayern Munich midfielder Rudy following his first international goal.
Northern Ireland, who grabbed a consolation through Josh Magennis, remain on track to claim a spot in next month’s play-offs as they attempt to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Harry Kane continued his stunning goalscoring form with a 94th-minute winner as an unimpressive England overcame Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s side looked utterly bereft of ideas until skipper Kane converted Kyle Walker’s inviting cross to score his 14th goal in nine games for club and country.
It is the sixth time in succession England have qualified for the World Cup, but after making such heavy work of defeating Slovenia, they are unlikely to give the game’s super-powers many sleepless nights.
“It’s not a relief, I always thought we’d achieve the objective (of qualifying),” said Southgate. “Tonight highlighted where we are. We know exactly where we need to improve.”
Meanwhile in another game, Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to become his country’s record goalscorer as Poland thrashed Armenia 6-1 in Yerevan.
Poland, who finished third at the 1974 and 1982 World Cups, need a point from their final match at home to Group E rivals Montenegro to assure themselves of a place in the finals.
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