England QUALIFY for 2022 World Cup in Qatar after thrashing San Marino 10-0

England have qualified for the 2022 World Cup after their emphatic victory over minnows San Marino.

Gareth Southgate's side hit 10 goals past San Marino to book their ticket to Qatar in style. Captain Harry Kane slammed in four goals in the first half as England went in at half-time with a six-goal lead - Harry Maguire and an own goal from Filippo Fabbri also sending England on their way.

In the second half, Emile Smith Rowe scored on his first start for England while Tyrone Mings, Tammy Abraham and Bukayo Saka also hit the back of the net in a rampant display - the last three goals being assisted by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It was a night to remember for England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane

Kane hit four goals in the first half as England recorded an emphatic 10-0 win over San Marino

Emile Smith Rowe marked his first England start with a goal in the win on Monday night

'It came to the last game and we were expected to win tonight but we've done a good job,' Kane said. 'Fantastic to go through.'

The Tottenham striker has matched Gary Lineker's England tally of 48 goals after his four-goal haul on Monday.

'Every time I wear an England shirt I am proud and when I score goals it is one of the nicest feelings I can have in my career,' Kane added. 'It's nice to be among those names.

'We still need to keep working. I feel like we have been improving year on year. We have to make the most of the time, every training session to fine tune the little pieces.'

England manager Southgate said his side can be proud of their year as the curtain comes down on international football in 2021.

'I love doing the role - it's a privilege. The team buy into what we're doing, we can still get better and there's so much to look forward to,' Southgate said. 'The qualification was earned away in Budapest, Warsaw and Albania.

'I have to credit all our players and staff for a very good year. We cannot do anything about the level of opposition but the mentality and the way they applied themselves was terrific.'

Southgate reserved special praise for Kane, who is now five goals behind Wayne Rooney's tally of 53 as England's highest ever scorer, as well as Smith-Rowe and Trent Alexander Arnold.

'If we left him (Kane) on another half an hour, we would have had Wayne Rooney's family on the phone.' Southgate said.

'He is a phenomenal goalscorer, we wanted to give him the chance tonight and he took it well.

'I thought Emile has given a good account all week, his tight control is exceptional and he has to continue what he is doing.

We finished with a young side tonight.

'For Alexander-Arnold to have an enjoyable England night is important. He showed his quality with a couple of assists and he will go back home feeling a big part of what has happened.'

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