2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers: Germany edge Czech Republic, England wins

Mats Hummels fired Germany to the brink of qualification for the 2018 World Cup on Friday with a late winner against the Czech Republic, while Harry Kane scored twice as England downed Malta 4-0.

RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner struck after just four minutes for the world champions in Prague, but Vladimir Darida’s stunning second-half equaliser hauled the hosts level.

Joachim Loew’s side made it seven wins from seven in Group C though as Hummels headed in a Toni Kroos cross on 88 minutes to clinch a 2-1 victory and leave Germany needing just four points from their final three matches.

They could punch their ticket to Russia as early as next Monday should they beat Norway at home and Northern Ireland fail to win against the Czechs in Belfast.

Northern Ireland remained on course to finish second, and enter the November play-offs, after a Josh Magennis brace and Steven Davis penalty ended San Marino’s gritty resistance in a 3-0 win in Serravalle. Tottenham Hotspur forward Kane turned the page on his August jinx as England laboured for much of the evening in Ta’Qali before the visitors struck three times in the closing minutes.

Kane marked the arrival of September by converting England’s opener on 53 minutes after clever play from Dele Alli. Ryan Bertrand netted his first international goal four minutes from time and Danny Welbeck nipping in ahead of Hogg to add a third in stoppage time.

Kane then chipped in with his second after a sublime assist from Marcus Rashford.

Mexico book WC berth, US in trouble
Mexico City: Mexico became the fifth team to guarantee their place at the 2018 World Cup on Friday. A Hirving Lozano header on 53 minutes was enough to give Mexico a 1-0 win over Panama at the Azteca Stadium as the CONCACAF heavyweights reached the finals for a seventh successive occasion.

But while Mexico celebrated, arch-rivals the USA were left contemplating a road to Russia that has suddenly become much more uncertain following their 2-0 loss, double scored by Marco Urena, to Costa Rica in Harrison, New Jersey.

The win left Costa Rica second in the standings on 14 points, while the USA continue to hold on to the third automatic qualifying place with eight points from seven games.