Chingford-born Harry Kane made his first start for England in their 1-1 draw in Italy last night.

The 21-year-old played the entire friendly in Turin but found opportunities hard to come by against the Italians.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker was clattered in the opening minutes after a thunderous challenge by Giorgio Chiellini.

England did not create much in the first half but Kane had a shot in the second period which hit the side netting before another effort was parried by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Kane tweeted: “Proud night making my 1st start for England! Great experience for me and one I can only learn from! Hopefully more to come! #England #3lions.”

The joint Premier League top scorer made a major impact on his debut on Friday night during the 4-0 European Championship qualifier win over Lithuania.

Kane netted just 79 seconds after coming on as a substitute in the second half when he headed in a cross from Raheem Sterling.

Speaking after Friday’s win at Wembley, manager Roy Hodgson told BBC Sport: “It's fantastic for Harry Kane and we’re delighted for him.

“It’s a bit of a fairytale but it’s nice when fairytales come true and it has come true for Harry. He has had a wonderful season and crowned his debut with a well-taken goal.”

Spurs teammate Andros Townsend, also originally from Chingford, rescued a draw for England after his second-half equaliser in Italy.

The winger was brought off the bench after 70 minutes and his pinpoint 20-yard strike brought the visitors level.

Townsend missed out on last year’s World Cup through an ankle injury but some critics, including Paul Merson, have questioned whether he should be involved for his country.

The Spurs attacker said: “I have just been desperate to get on the pitch and silence a few critics. Hopefully they can realise the quality I bring to the team.

“I have been thinking about it all week. As soon as the goal went in, I was thinking of all the people questioning my call-ups and saying I should be nowhere near the England squad.”

In a direct response to criticism on Sky Sports, Townsend tweeted: “Not bad for a player that should be ‘nowhere near the squad’ ay @PaulMerse?”

Hodgson praised the contribution of Townsend and believes he has vindicated his decision to keep faith in him.

The England boss said: “I stuck by him because of the qualities he brings. Andros has got that ability to get turned around very quickly and run at enormous pace with skill at defenders and that’s something defenders don’t like.

“We’ve always appreciated that quality he has. In a squad of 20-odd players, there should be a place for guys like him because he’s a game changer.”