England qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after demolishing San Marino 10-0
England booked their automatic qualification for the 2022 World Cup after their emphatic victory over San Marino as the Gareth Southgate’s side hit 10 goals past the minnows.
Captain Harry Kane slammed in four goals in the first half as England went in at half-time with a six-goal lead with additions from Harry Maguire and an own goal from Filippo Fabbri.
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 Tottenham striker has now matched Gary Lineker’s England tally of 48 goals after his four days on Monday.
Southgate’s side were forced to wait until their final win of the campaign despite hammering Albania 5-0 at Wembley as Poland stayed within three points having beaten Andorra 4-1.
But the victory over San Marino put England on an unassailable tally of 26 points and gives the Three Lions another shot at tournament victory after losing the Euro 2020 final at Wembley against Italy in the summer.
At the last World Cup in Russia, England reached the semi-finals of the tournament before being knocked out by Croatia in extra-time in a run that gripped the nation.
England boss Southgate is also on the brink of agreeing a contract extension to remain in charge of the Three Lions.
Southgate’s current deal expires after the World Cup but there is a will from both parties to extend that to until Euro 2024.
Sources claim there is an agreement in principle with the situation expected to move quickly once England have secured World Cup qualification but the FA have refused to comment.
Southgate currently earns £3million a year, but he can expect sharp pay rise taking him beyond the £5m mark if bonuses are reached.
That salary would see the Englishman close in on Fabio Capello’s eye-watering wage during his five-year stint in charge of the Three Lions with the Italian earning £6million a year.
