The European leg of the prolonged World Cup 2014 qualifiers was in action once again last night and England were the biggest winners as they thrashed San Marino 8-0. The other European giants to have an easy night in the office were Germany who cruised past Kazakhstan 3-0, Netherlands also beat Estonia by the same margin while France comfortably swatted aside Georgia 3-1. The surprise result of the round came in Gijon where Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Finland. Portugal and Israel played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Group F while Wales got the better of Scotland 2-1 in the all-British battle.
England’s rampage against San Marino was welcome relief for Roy Hodgson after the usual pre-match tabloid headache. The Three Lions managed to get six different scorers on the sheet against the minnows, with Jermain Defoe grabbing a brace. England were five goals to the good by half-time, with Alessandro Della Valle getting the ball rolling with an early own goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Defoe, Ashley Young and Frank Lampard all found a way to goal by the break to leave the home side reeling.
FIFA World Cup
England's rain-soaked sojourn to Poland ended in disappointment as the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw in Warsaw. Kamil Gilk's strike 20 minutes from time drew the home side level after Wayne Rooney's opener just after the half-hour mark in the re-arranged fixture which was postponed by 24 hours due to a water-logged pitch on Tuesday. England still remain atop Group H with eight points, but Montenegro have a game in hand and are only a point behind in 2nd place while Poland are two adrift of the Montenegrins.