Harry Kane sets new mark as England labour in Switzerland victory

Winning while playing badly is a more useful trait in tournament football than friendlies but if England were unconvincing in the 2-1 victory against Switzerland, they were also triumphant when victory meant less.

On an evening of trial and error, as some of Gareth Southgate’s experiments did not succeed, Harry Kane could savour the outcome as his 49th international goal drew him level with the great Sir Bobby Charlton. Only Wayne Rooney is ahead of Kane now.

Perhaps it was in line with England’s luck that his strike came courtesy of a contentious decision, with Steven Zuber adjudged to have handled Marc Guehi’s header, even though his back was turned, but the Tottenham striker underlined what a fine penalty taker he is.

Switzerland nevertheless offered a reminder the World Cup will come laced with potentially awkward opponents. Easy to underestimate, they showed why they eliminated France from Euro 2020 and qualified for the World Cup at Italy’s expense. They had nine shots to two in a first half where they were superior, but went in level.

Luke Shaw’s equaliser was aided by two fringe figures who took their opportunities. Kyle Walker-Peters played with verve and won the ball in the final third. Whether or not Conor Gallagher’s pass was intended for Shaw, the Euro 2020 final scorer rifled in his second international goal.

England's manager Gareth Southgate shakes hands with striker Harry Kane. AFP

It was an indication of Gallagher’s influence on his first England start: he might have scored, only for Silvan Widmar to head his curling shot away, and could have added another assist, when Kane had an attempted lob saved after the Crystal Palace midfielder’s deft chipped pass.

Gallagher was England’s brightest and best