England are always on a hiding to nothing when they play these sort of internationals, but the important thing to remember was that there were three vital points to be won, points that could guarantee our passage through to the finals of the European Championships.  And the squad did exactly what they had to do, with a clinical professional performance that completely overwhelmed San Marino.

The other focus for this game was whether Wayne Rooney would score the two goals he needed to overtake Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing England goalscoring record of 49 goals. [ed: Rooney still needs three to beat Charlton]  Rooney would never have a better chance against the minnows of European football.  England began well, positively and purposefully and they were immediately knocking on the door of the packed home defence.  The pattern of the match was soon obvious with England looking to create openings and San Marino just defending well, and working hard in a damage limitation exercise.  But chances were soon created by England.  They played the ball cleverly from side to side at pace, trying to work some space down the flanks for Nathaniel Clyne, Luke Shaw and Jamie Vardy to exploit.  Vardy, on his full debut, chased everything in his inimitable style and a breakthrough was inevitable, although how it finally arrived was rather fortuitous.

Afree-kick on the right was sent in by James Milner and as the many bodies grappled in the box, the whistle was blown.  At first it looked as though a free-kick against England was given, but after much argument it appeared that a foul on John Stones had been committed and England were awarded a penalty.  Rooney's eyes lit up as soon as he realised and there was absolutely no way anyone else was going to take that particular spot-kick.  The skipper scored with aplomb, sending the keeper the wrong way, and Charlton was no longer on his own at the top of the pile! [ed: Rooney was still one behind].

The goal was scored on 13 minutes and six minutes later Rooney so nearly scored again.  This time though the goalkeeper, Aldo Simoncini, parried the ball away from goal into the path of Milner, but the Liverpool player failed in his bid to become more than a one goal wonder.

The pattern of the match remained the same with England relentlessly pushing forward and San Marino defending for all they were worth.  Milner shot just wide on 26 minutes and then good play created space for Shaw down the left four minutes later.  He whipped a delicious cross to the middle towards Rooney, but unfortunately for both Rooney and the home side, Christian Brolli attempted a diving headed clearance, only to divert the ball into the far corner of his own net.  That made it 2-0 and the contest was virtually over.  And ironically that goal drew 'Own Goals' level with Charlton and Rooney on a total of 49!!  [ed: not Rooney]Meanwhile, one other good chance came England's way before the break when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wriggled clear to fire in an angled drive.  Again though the impressive Simoncini saved, this time with a brilliant touch to send the ball over the bar.  The goalkeeper had played well and his handling was excellent throughout the first-half.

Within seconds of the restart though, Simoncini was left helpless as England scored a wonderful third goal.  Oxlade-Chamberlain picked the ball up wide on the right straight from the kick-off.  He set off on a super express run that took him past two defenders and to the bye-line.  He then clipped the perfect centre into the box and there was Ross Barkley to stoop to head his first England goal, being in the right place at exactly the right time.

With the very impressive Jonjo Shelvey pulling all the strings in the England midfield, the visitors swarmed forward as they dominated the possession.  Shelvey took his current form for Swansea into this match and he looked the part,en allowing for the weak opposition.  Just before the hour mark manager Roy Hodgson replaced Milner with Fabian Delph and, much to the crowd's disappointment, also withdrew Rooney, to send on Harry Kane.  So, it was not to be for Rooney on this day, but surely he will soon be standing alone at the pinnacle of the England goalscorers.

Just under ten minutes later a further change came when Theo Walcott replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain, and within seconds, and with his first touch, Walcott made the score 4-0.  Shaw's clever interception down the left allowed the ball to run kindly for Delph, who immediately hit a low cross to the far post.  In came Walcott like lightening to score a fine goal.  Ten minutes later, and not to be outdone, the other substitute made a telling contribution with the best goal of the night.  A wonderful through pass from Shelvey found Kane, and although the striker has yet to score for Spurs this season, he made it look easy this time, with a sublime chip that beat the keeper and nestled into the far corner.  A super goal and one that will restore Kane's belief in what is without doubt his own great talent.

The scoring wasn't quite over as within a further minute Walcott was at it again.  This time it was Barkley's persistence that threaded the ball to the Arsenal man and without hesitation he fired the ball past the luckless Simoncini.  In fact, shortly afterwards Walcott could have claimed a hat-trick with a similar chance, but this time he flicked the ball wide of the far post.

On 82 minutes there was a shock for England as Adolfo Hirsch actually managed a shot on target for San Marino, but luckily for England, Joe Hart was still awake enough to easily save.  You have to hand it to the San Marino side as they must find international football very frustrating, but they keep battling away and all the players gave everything, despite England's obvious superiority.

So, England are through to the finals after a job very well done.  Never before has an England side qualified for a major tournament with so much to spare.  It is difficult to judge players in a game like this but they all performed well, and with the right attitude, and you could not fault them.  And in Shelvey, it really does look like we have another Steven Gerrard coming through.