London: England continued their build up to the World Cup with a hard fought victory against Nigeria at Wembley stadium on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate’s side swept into a two-goal lead as Gary Cahill who made his first England appearance since October headed home from a corner and captain Harry Kane scored in the first half before Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi pulled one back for the Eagles in the early second half.
Love To All The Naija Supporters That Came Out To Wembley Today And To All The Nigerian’s Supporting Around The World. Not The Result We Wanted But We Push Forward To Russia ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/GMxIjnHng0
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) June 2, 2018
Iwobi then came close to find an equalizer after exposing the flaws in Southgate’s three-man defence by repeatedly attacking down the flanks.
England have another friendly against Costa Rica in Leeds on Saturday before they kick-start their campaign in Russia against Tunisia on June 18.
Post-match reaction from the #ThreeLions' goalscorers with @itvfootball: pic.twitter.com/3PQsUD2wah
— England (@England) June 2, 2018
Sterling who was involved in a recent tattoo controversy couldn’t stay out of trouble and was booked for an embarrassingly clear dive in a failed attempt to win a second-half penalty.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli was subjected to jeers from the large contingent of Nigeria supporters, who recalled his decision to snub their country in favour of representing England.
Alli, who has a Nigerian father, didn’t seem perturbed and he was soon celebrating when England took a seventh-minute lead.
In another important pre world cup friendly, Portugal held Belgium to a goalless draw in which Manchester City skipper Vincent Company suffered a groin problem after a challenge from Gelson Martins.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was absent as the player is on a break after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League.
Jan Vertonghen, making history as the first player to win 100 caps for Belgium, was closest to break the deadlock with a second-half shot that was tipped over by goalkeeper Beto.
Tifo time for Super @JanVertonghen ! ?#BELPOR#REDTOGETHER ?? pic.twitter.com/u4JEs3JaMc
— fanclub1895 (@Fanclub1895) June 2, 2018
Belgium, who will be England’s final Group G opponents at the World Cup are tipped to be the biggest challenge to the 1966 champions’ progress in the World Cup in Russia.