5 talking points as Harry Kane-inspired England hammer Albania at Wembley

England are now just one point away from sealing their place at the 2022 World Cup after beating Albania 5-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Much-maligned Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire opened the scoring after heading home from close range after a delightful Reece James free-kick.

England's other Harry doubled the Three Lions lead just under ten minutes later after Kane was on the end of Jordan Henderson 's chipped cross to the back-post.

The same duo then swapped roles for England's third, as Kane turned provider to assist what was just Henderson's second ever goal for his country.

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Kane then sealed his brace with a fierce left-footed effort to end the tie as a contest just after the half hour mark.

The Tottenham talisman completed the perfect hat-trick with an acrobatic effort on the verge of half-time.

Here are the main talking points as England place themselves on the cusp of qualification for Qatar.

Kane topples Rooney record

England's skipper showed little signs of the kind of form that has left him with just one league goal for his club this season, putting three past Albania in the opening 45 minutes.

Kane scored three in the space of 27 minutes - notching a header followed by a left-footed effort and capped off with a spectacular right-footed volley to draw level with Jimmy Greaves Three Lions goals record.

Now on 44 strikes for his country, Kane is just nine goals short of record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney 's tally of 53.

However, Kane did surpass Rooney with one record - the most goals scored for England in competitive fixtures.

Often a striker for the big occasion, with World Cup qualification still on the line - Kane stepped up and delivered for his country.

Maguire blocks out the noise

Few could have begrudged Harry Maguire his moment of joy after a torrid spell for his club in recent weeks.

Maguire has been widely criticised by all quarters for both his on-field efforts and post-match comments in the wake of the 5-0 home humbling against Liverpool, but appeared to send a message to his critics after his goal this evening.

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Heading home with aplomb after James' inviting free-kick, Maguire wheeled away with a huge grin and his fingers in his ears - suggesting he has taken no notice of the recent comments made about him from fans and pundits alike.

The celebration was dubbed 'embarrassing' by pundit and United legend Roy Keane, who claimed Maguire's recent performances at club level have been 'disgraceful'.

He was rarely tested for the remainder of the evening such was the level of dominance from the hosts, but Maguire will be delighted to get a solid showing under his belt.

Albania's physical approach

From the first whistle England's visitors made little effort to even try and hide their game-plan of rotational fouling.

Raheem Sterling had his claims for a penalty waved away despite being clearly struck in the neck as he made his way into the area, before Kane was upended by Klaus Gjasula - who is no stranger to a yellow card.

Albania's number 8 was cautioned for his challenge, sealing his status as the most booked player of all the European nations in World Cup qualifying.

Three yellow cards for the visitors inside the opening 25 minutes set the tone for the contest, who eventually the contest ended with four players in the book.

Chelsea defensive duo shine

Luke Shaw's absence allowed Ben Chilwell the chance to impress under the watchful eye of Southgate, while James was preferred to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Both of the Stamford Bridge favourites seized the opportunity, constantly providing a seamless link between defence and attack.

James in particularly enjoyed a stellar performance before he was replaced by Alexander-Arnold with just 15 minutes to play.

The 21-year-old registered an assist for England's opener but the level of his attacking presence did not wane until he was hauled off in the 75th minute.

The Chelsea pairing often mirrored each other throughout, spending the bulk of their time operating as a wingers rather than any onus on their defensive responsibilities.

Southgate extension welcomed

As reports emerge that the Three Lions boss looks set to extend his stay until 2024, many have questioned whether the England boss has an attacking enough philosophy to get the best out of this young crop of talent.

Yet tonight's display was everything the critics could have hoped for and more, England going into the half-time interval with a stunning five-goal cushion.

Front-footed from the off, Southgate named a strong side that blew their visitors apart with the kind of performance rarely seen under his reign.

While England have often scored a hatful under Southgate, this kind of dominance from the first to last whistle is a rarity for any side - a glowing review of the manager the FA are so clearly desperate to keep beyond next year's World Cup.