Kane and Vardy star as England overcome Turkey
Sunday, May 22, 2016
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England 2-1 Turkey
Jamie Vardy struck the clincher seven minutes from time as the Leicester City forward, and strike partner Harry Kane, impressed in Manchester.
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Jamie Vardy struck for the third time in as many England games as Roy Hodgson's charges beat Turkey in their opening friendly before UEFA EURO 2016.
Hodgson fielded Harry Kane and Vardy in the starting lineup together for the first time and was rewarded with an impressive showing by the attacking duo. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere made his first England start since the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier against Slovenia last June.
Kane side-footed the hosts in front after just three minutes, but their lead did not last long. Indeed, ten minutes later, Hakan Çalhanoğlu tapped in an equaliser from close range with Turkey's first ever goal against the Three Lions.
The England coach switched systems in the second half, changing from a 4-3-3 to a diamond formation with Dele Alli playing behind Kane and Vardy. Mehmet Topal, Cenk Tosun and Hakan Balta all went close shortly after as Çalhanoğlu's set-piece delivery caused problems.
With 20 minutes remaining, Kane missed a penalty following a foul on Vardy, before the Leicester City striker lashed in an 83rd-minute winner from close range after Fatih Terim's men had failed to clear a Gary Cahill header. The visitors almost levelled in added time, but Joe Hart produced a magnificent save to his right to deny Olcay Şahan.