One of the final matches of the UEFA World Cup qualifier in Group F saw England edge Lithuania at LFF Stadionas, according to the Telegraph. Harry Kane was on target as he scored the decisive goal and ended England's World Cup qualifying campaign with an unbeaten record. Lithuania had opportunities to turn things around, but they could not capitalize. Lithuania attackers were unable to find the back of the net and couldn't rescue their side with at least a draw. If they had lost or even draw this match, Gareth Southgate's team is already through to the World Cup final in Russia.
England finished as leaders of Group F with twenty-six points, while Lithuania ended in the fifth spot with just six points. Here's an analysis of the match.
Lithuania outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Ernestas Setkus (6.78). Defender - Valdemaras Borovskis (5.74), Edvinas Girdvainis (5.81), Linas Klimavicius (6.57), Vytautas Andriuskevicius (6.30). Midfielder - Arturas Zulpa (6.48), Arvydas Novikovas (6.18), Fedor Cernych (6.67), Ovidijus Verbickas (5.82), Vykintas Slivka (6.37). Forward - Darvydas Sernas (5.76). Used substitutes - Deivydas Matulevicius (6.18), Karolis Chvedukas (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Edgaras Jankauskas' side created plenty of goal bound chances through long passes and individual efforts but were too weak at finishing.
They also committed lots of individual stumbles and aggressive in their tackles.
Style of play: Lithuania played with width, favored long passes and long shots.
England outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Jack Butland (seven points). Defender - Harry Maguire (6.69), John Stones (seven points), Michael Keane (7.19), Kieran Trippier (6.94), Aaron Cresswell (7.41).
Midfielder - Harry Winks (7.61), Jordan Henderson (7.36), Dele Alli (6.83), Marcus Rashford (seven points). Forward - Harry Kane (6.90). Used substitutes - Jesse Lingard (6.28), Daniel Sturridge (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Gareth Southgate's men were able to create chances in front of goal through long passes and crosses.
However, they were also weak at finishing.
Style of play: the Three Lions favored through balls and long thrusts. They largely operated through the center midfield.
Man of the Match
Debutant Harry Winks was magnificent coordinating the midfield for England. The Tottenham star made three key passes and completed a massive 111 touches in the match.
