World Cup latest: England and Germany qualify for Russia, but Lionel Messi could be set to miss out as Argentina slump

Harry Kane seals dire England’s spot while defending champions Germany make it nine wins from nine – but 0-0 draw has Argentina sweating

Reading Time:3 minutes

Argentina's Lionel Messi screams in disbelief after playing Peru to a 0-0 draw. Photo: AP

Published: 11:39am, 6 Oct 2017Updated: 11:39am, 6 Oct 2017

Defending champions Germany clinched a place at next year’s World Cup in Russia with a 3-1 win in Northern Ireland on Thursday, while England beat Slovenia 1-0 to secure their berth – but Lionel Messi and Argentina’s hopes were hanging in the balance after another stalemate.

Sebastian Rudy and Sandro Wagner struck brilliant first-half goals in Belfast before Joshua Kimmich added a late third as Joachim Loew’s team made it nine wins out of nine in European qualifying Group C.

The four-time world champions also maintained their proud unbeaten away record in World Cup qualifiers – a run spanning an incredible 47 matches dating back to 1934.

“We’re off to Russia, to tear it up! We want to successfully defend the World Cup title,” said Bayern Munich midfielder Rudy following his first international goal.

Germany's midfielder Sebastian Rudy (L) celebrates with Joshua Kimmich after scoring the opening goal. Photo: AFP

Northern Ireland, who grabbed a consolation through Josh Magennis, remain on track to claim a spot in next month’s play-offs as they attempt to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1986.