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England started their FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying on a blistering note, as they beat lowly San Marino 5-0 at Wembley on Thursday.
The Three Lions had as many as 32 shots at the San Marino goal as the gulf in pedigree between the two sides was all too apparent on the night.
England did not turn up at Wembley with their best XI, as Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Harry Maguire and Tyrone Mings were benched by Gareth Southgate, while Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka missed out because of injury. Nevertheless, the hosts produced a five-star performance to floor their modest visitors.
James Ward Prowse, with the sweetest of touches, opened the scoring in the 14th minute, putting away a brilliant Ben Chilwell cut-back. In the blink of an eye, England were three goals to the good, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Raheem Sterling also got their names on the scoresheet.
The one-way traffic continued in the second half, too, as San Marino failed to come to terms with the pace, physicality and precision of England. Another goal by Calvert-Lewin and one by substitute Ollie Watkins added to an abysmal night for San Marino.
On that note, let's have a look at the five talking points from the game.
#1 England make a strong start
Gareth Southgate has attracted criticism at times for his timid approach. But against San Marino, a much-changed England feasted against weaker opposition.
The former Middlesbrough manager has been blessed with an incredibly talented bunch of players and has a deep enough roster to go deep in international tournaments. That was apparent on the night, as the hosts proved no match for their overmatched opponents.
England now travel to Albania, where they'll hope to continue their qualifying campaign with another win.
#2 Mason Mount produces a superb outing
Despite only playing 45 minutes, Mason Mount ended the night with a whopping eight chances created.
The midfield maestro pulled strings yet again for England, as San Marino had no answer to his movements in between the lines and precise passes to break down their defence.
Mount could have bagged more than one assist on the night before he was hauled off at the interval. Nevertheless, considering his performance against San Marino, the England midfielder will hope to start against Albania in the next qualifying game.
#3 Dominic Calvert-Lewin impresses for England
One of the most improved England players in the last 12 months, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, just cannot stop scoring. Although he has had a few poor games with Everton in the last few weeks, the 23-year-old striker continues to be on song while playing for England.
Despite scoring twice on the night, Calvert-Lewin would be upset that he score more against modest opposition. The Everton man had two shots on target, a robust header and a tap-in from five yards, but he also missed two big chances.
Going by his performance against San Marino, Calvert-Lewin will fancy his chances of playing against Albania in England's next qualifying game.
#4 England's Chelsea full-backs put on a spectacular display
Trent Alexander Arnold was a notable England omission, but Reece James is fit and was at his best against San Marino.
The 21-year-old Chelsea right-back combined with his clubmate Ben Chilwell and displayed a complete performance at both ends of the pitch. The Chelsea duo bagged an assist apiece while also helping England keep a clean sheet.
San Marino's wide midfielders and forwards did not pose a threat to England's defence, as they barely had a shot on target. While Chilwell and James had minimal defensive work on the night, they created a combined four big chances at the other end of the pitch.
#5 England could make a deep run at the Euros this summer
England produced a fabulous performance against San Marino. They seemed to have a fairly settled 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation, which can change based on the match situation.
Their results in the remainder of the World Cup qualifying campaign before the summer could determine how far they would go at the Euros this summer.
England do seem to have the firepower, consistency and defence to go deep in the tournament. Whether they are able to overwhelm stronger opponents remains to be seen, though.
England are favourites to go to Qatar from Group I, but they'll also want to have a good performance at the Euros. Their performances in the tournament could determine how they fare in the rest of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
