Classy England beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley to become the latest country to book a berth at next year’s European Championship after Tuesday’s round of qualifiers but Hungary’s hopes were held up by a draw away to Lithuania.
England and Hungary were the only teams with the opportunity on Tuesday to secure their places at the finals in Germany next June with Gareth Southgate's side coming from behind to beat the European champions and make sure of top spot in Group C.
Defeat for Italy, who led through Gianluca Scamacca before England overtook them with two goals from their all-time record scorer Harry Kane — the first a penalty — and one from Marcus Rashford, leaves the visitors in a precarious third place.
Ukraine moved into second spot as they beat Malta 3-1 away after Paul Mbong had put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute. An own goal and then a penalty had Ukraine ahead by halftime and they added a third near the end from Mykhailo Mudryk.
Hungary would have qualified had they won in Lithuania but went two goals down in Kaunas before fighting back to draw 2-2.