Ollie Watkins and James Ward-Prowse score first England goals in San Marino thumping

England started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 thrashing of minnows San Marino.

It was a night to remember for James Ward-Prowse and debutant Ollie Watkins, who netted their first England goals, but it could have been a far worse scoreline for San Marino had it not been for a succession of fine saves from Elia Benedettini

Ward-Prowse scored his first senior goal for England within the opening 15 minutes when he slid the ball into the bottom corner from Ben Chilwell’s cut back.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a second when he rose highest to head into the bottom corner from a Reece James cross.

Chilwell nearly opened his England account too, but his superb long-range shot forced Benedettini into an excellent save.

England punished San Marino for trying to play out from the back when Mason Mount pounced on an error to let Raheem Sterling in to finish from close range.

Calvert-Lewin nearly added a fourth before half time but his volley went narrowly over the bar.

It was the Everton striker who did get England’s fourth shortly after, tapping in from Jesse Lingard’s pass across goal.

Ward-Prowse then hit the woodwork from a free-kick, with more superb work from Benedettini to tip the ball onto the post.

Aston Villa forward Watkins came off the bench to make his England debut and completed the scoring eight minutes from time when he drilled the ball into the far corner.

England continue the qualifying campaign when they meet Albania on Sunday.

Cover Photo: Wembley by Georges-adrien Carcanis under license from CC BY NC-ND 2.0.