MANCHESTER — England’s Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy struck in a 2-1 friendly win over fellow Euro 2016 finalist Turkey Sunday as the home side warmed up with a performance that highlighted its potency in attack and defensive limitations.
Kane put England ahead after two minutes when he pounced on a neat pass from Tottenham Hotspur club mate Dele Alli to record his 32nd goal of a prolific season. Although Kane missed a late penalty, Vardy was on hand to score the winner in the 83rd.
Ten minutes after Kane’s opener Turkey had equalized through Hakan Calhanoglu after Vakan Sen got behind full back Danny Rose and, as goalkeeper Joe Hart came hurtling out, crossed for the visitor to net its first goal against England in 11 meetings.
England manager Roy Hodgson was pleased by some parts of the performance, saying: “There were some positive aspects. For large swathes of the game we played reasonably well. But there is still work to be done.
“The next three weeks will be vital for us to make sure we make life easier for ourselves defensively.”
England plays Australia in Sunderland Friday, a game Vardy will miss because he is getting married Wednesday.
Hodgson named a 26-man provisional squad for the European Championship which he must cut to 23 by May 31 ahead of the month-long finals which kick off in France on June 10.
England is in a group with Russia, Slovakia and Wales, while Turkey face holders Spain, Croatia and Czech Republic.
US beats Puerto Rico
Paul Arriola had a goal and an assist in his national team debut, Tim Ream and Bobby Wood also scored, and the United States started its Copa America preparations with a 3-1 win over Puerto Rico in an exhibition game Sunday.
Arriola, a 21-year-old from Chula Vista, California, who plays for Tijuana in Mexico, is not on the tournament roster but was among players called in for a training camp while regulars remained with the Major League Soccer teams through the weekend.
He became the first player to score in his debut since Juan Agudelo at South Africa in November 2010 and the first with a goal and an assist since Landon Donovan against Mexico in 2000.
“He did well, and he knows he has a huge learning curve still ahead of him,” US coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. — Agencies
