MAN went into space for the first time the last year England won away to Italy – until Thursday night.
And after taking a giant leap forward in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, the Three Lions took another big stretch – to ease away the tension the morning after in training.
Harry Kane reflects on his record-breaking night in Naples
Jack Grealish and Declan Rice couldn’t be happier after England opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory in Italy
It’s been a long stretch since the tTree Lions triumphed in Italy, and Jordan Pickford, Luke Shaw and Declan Rice relieve their aching muscles
Jimmy Greaves sealed England’s late 3-2 victory in Rome back in May 1961 – a month after Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin journeyed into history and outer space.
Greaves was then the Three Lions’ highest-ever scorer, eventually finishing with 44 goals.
And this time around Kane marked the gravity of the occasion on a notable night in Naples by setting a new record of 54 as a penalty took him past Wayne Rooney’s mark.
So it was understandable the England skipper basked on a gym matt at Spurs Lodge on Friday with a reflective smile on his face.
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish went one better as they strode into training with a grin double, the West Ham midfielder draping his arm around the Manchester City winger.
In fact, it’s rare you’ll see a more buoyant training camp.
Yet Gareth Southgate’s men have less than 72 hours between Thursday’s success and Sunday’s second qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley.
So it was vital they erased the strains.
Keeper Jordan Pickford, red-card victim Luke Shaw and impressive anchorman were seen extending their limbs in tension-sapping exercises.
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Shaw, though, will be suspended for this weekend’s game – following his remarkable dismissal for two bookings in 54 seconds.
In contrast, Kane is sure to lead the team again.
And after almighty celebrations greeted his record-busting spot-kick on Thursday, the Tottenham striker admitted it’s still tough to take in.
He posted on Instagram: “Madness, madness. Not even a dream, I didn’t even dream of doing something like this so just hugely proud.
“Big thanks to the team, the staff, the fans, everyone involved. My family back home.
“It’s a special moment and one I’ll never forget, and to win the game, first win in Italy for God knows how long… Just a real special night for me and the team.”
Even Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini joined in the praise for Kane.
And Italy midfielder Marco Verratti was just as generous with his comments on a player who could go on to succeed Kane as England skipper.
The PSG star said of much-wanted Rice: “He’s got a wonderful attitude, and he’s still very young so he’s got a huge room for improvement.”
“He provides great balance and shape to the team, and he’s got wonderful physical attributes.
“He’s a number six, a defensive midfielder that England really need.
“I’m sure that he will end up at a top side because I’ve played against him many times, he never gives up.”
Grealish, Rice and Kane stroll to work at Spurs Lodge as they digest England’s historic victory in Italy on Thursday night Read More