Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck twice as England breezed past San Marino 5-0 at Wembley for a perfect start to their bid to reach next year's World Cup finals in Qatar.
Everton striker Calvert-Lewin, who was replaced by debutant Ollie Watkins on 63 minutes, opened his account for the night with a back-post header following a tremendous cross from the right by Reece James.
He netted his second eight minutes after half-time. Ben Chilwell, the Chelsea left-back, slid in Jesse Lingard, who rolled in a cross for Calvert-Lewin to convert.
Calvert-Lewin, who was earning his sixth senior cap – and making his fourth England start – has four goals for his country since a debut against Wales back in October.
He could have added to his tally on Thursday night, Calvert-Lewin making minimal contact in front of goal following a cross along the turf from Chelsea player James after six minutes.
There was an improvised back-of-the-head flick which travelled narrowly wide, too.
🦁 @CalvertLewin14 🦁 pic.twitter.com/NgEScbDDat
— Everton (@Everton) March 25, 2021
Calvert-Lewin is the first Everton player to net twice for England at Wembley since Gary Lineker, who completed a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Turkey, in 1985.
The current Goodison Park forward has 19 goals in 31 matches for Everton, at a rate of 0.61 per game, this season.
His national team were predictably comfortable against San Marino.
James Ward-Prowse of Southampton opened the scoring on 14 minutes, finishing neatly to give Chilwell his first assist of the night.
England made it 3-0 courtesy of Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, who was played through by Mason Mount on the half hour after San Marino cheaply coughed up possession.
And, 19 minutes after replacing Calvert-Lewin, Aston Villa centre-forward Watkins drilled into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
*23@CalvertLewin14 🦋pic.twitter.com/0jL9zZwtOb https://t.co/EmMBPgOlGq
— Everton (@Everton) March 25, 2021
England play away against Albania on Sunday and return to Wembley next Wednesday for the visit of Poland, as manager Gareth Southgate's team begin their World Cup qualification campaign in earnest.
Elsewhere, Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen was an unused substitute as Sweden started their attempt to get to Qatar by sneaking past Georgia 1-0 in Stockholm, Viktor Claesson of Krasnodar scoring the only goal 10 minutes before half-time.
The Swedes are in Kosovo for their second qualifier on Sunday and host Estonia in a friendly fixture next Wednesday.
