England and defending champions, Germany have qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Three Lions left it late once more, with the third stoppage time goal in this campaign securing the three points that send them to Russia.

Captain Harry Kane was England’s hero late on, converting Kyle Walker’s cross to seal the win.

Up to that point it had been a rather reserved evening for the England, with lots of possession but a lack of incisiveness. The hosts created more chances as the second half wore on, with their No 9 crucially converting one to seal the victory.

Kane said afterwards: “It was frustrating at times out there. We had to be patient. In the last ten minutes they were getting tired and we created a few opportunities and I was happy to finally put one in the back of the net in the end.”

England now lead their Group E with 23 points with one game to go against Lithuania on 8 October. They are followed by Northern Ireland with 19 points.

Germany emphatically booked a place in Russia after beating runners up in Group C, Northern Ireland 3-1, making it a perfect nine in the qualifiers. They have 27 points to Northern Ireland’s 19 points.

The Germans will play their final game on 8 October. NAN