World Cup Qualifier: England 5-1 Croatia

England thrashed Croatia comprehensively in a 5-1 victory at Wembley to book their place at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

The hosts took the lead after eight minutes when Josip Šimunić hopelessly clobbered Aaron Lennon inside the area and Frank Lampard expertly despatched the spot-kick into the corner.

Steven Gerrard then doubled the lead 10 minutes later as he rose at the back post to head home Lennon's deep cross.

England added a third in the 59th minute when Lampard headed home a Glen Johnson cross. Six minutes later Gerrard headed a fourth after Wayne Rooney did really well to hook the ball back from the by-line.

Eduardo replied for the Croats in the 73rd minute, but Rooney scored a fifth after goalkeeper Vedran Runje passed straight to him.

The qualifying campaign has been an astounding success for England. Actually, they have the players to be world-beaters all along. It is just that they are short of confidence and underachieve their potential.

With Fabio Capello at the helm and humiliating Croatia in this manner, I think England fans can finally dream of World Cup glory next summer.