England’s record win

Friday, 03/09/2010

A stunning Jermain Defoe hat-trick sent England on their way to a new record and a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in their first Euro 2012 qualification game.

The Three Lions roared back from their World Cup blues with a record 11th straight win at Wembley.

They got off to a flyer when Wayne Rooney chipped the ball in to Ashley Cole who managed to put it into the six-yard area for Defoe to fire home a typical poacher's goal after just three minutes.

Typically, Three Lions boss Fabio Capello sat rooted to his seat showing no emotion as his backroom staff leaped to their feet to celebrate the goal.

Just after the hour, keeper Joe Hart made a tremendous save, pushing away the ball, which broke for England and within 14 seconds in was in the net at the other end, Defoe again the scorer.

Again Capello showed no reaction and didn't even raise a smile as his side went 2-0 up.

With seven minutes left on the clock sub Adam Johnson scored his first England goal, slotting home from the edge of the area. Just minutes earlier Capello was ranting and raving when the Man City winger missed a chance. The manager managed some applause for England's third goal, but only as his backroom team pushed him into celebrating.

With 86 minutes gone the lively Defoe completed his hat-trick thanks to a great through ball from Rooney who had looked effective playing as a deep striker.

Defoe then had to be subbed because of injury - joining his Tottenham colleague Michael Dawson in the treatment room. Dawson had been replaced by Bolton's Gary Cahill, making his full England debut.

* The Republic of Ireland won their opening qualifier in Armenia thanks to a Keith Fahey strike after 76 minutes.

* Northern Ireland won 1-0 in Slovenia with a Corey Evans goal.

* Scotland were held to a goal-less draw in Lithuania.

* Wales lost 1-0 in Montenegro, their captain Mirko Vucinic scoring after half an hour.

• 

• Have your say