Kane rescues England, Spain scrape home as World Cup build-up continues

England’s striker Harry Kane scores their second goal from the penalty spot during the international friendly football match between England and Switzerland at Wembley stadium in north London on March 26, 2022. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

Harry Kane converted a late penalty to close in on the all-time England goal-scoring record and secure a 2-1 win over fellow World Cup qualifiers Switzerland on Saturday while Spain marked their return to Catalonia for the first time in almost two decades with a narrow victory against Albania.

Kane netted from the spot to reach 49 England goals, moving him ahead of Gary Lineker and into a second-place tie with Bobby Charlton.

Only Wayne Rooney, with 53 goals, has scored more times for England.

Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead at Wembley after 22 minutes in a first half dominated by the visitors before Luke Shaw’s equaliser in first-half injury time.

England’s striker Harry Kane runs with the ball during the international friendly football match between England and Switzerland at Wembley stadium in north London on March 26, 2022. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

“You have to be ready for any chance at any moment. Penalties are a great way of getting on the scoresheet, I practice and work on them a lot,” said Kane.

“It is amazing company to be with, super proud to be doing that but we look forward to the next one. A big year ahead to get more caps and more goals. I will be ready for Tuesday but it is down to the manager.”

Spain, World Cup winners in 2010, had to work hard to carve out a 2-1 win against Albania in Barcelona, the team’s first game in Catalonia since 2004.

Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Spain in the 75th minute at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium with Myrto Uzuni equalising 10