Remember all that talk about Gareth Southgate being too defensively minded?
The people pushing that line are pretty quiet right now, after England put 10 past San Marino to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Look, we know lowly San Marino aren’t exactly Brazil - but it’s still a tremendous achievement, as an England squad hasn’t scored 10 goals in a game since 1964.
It was already 6-0 by half-time after Harry Maguire headed the opener, Filippo Fabbri scored an own goal, and Harry Kane put away four.
But England weren’t finished and feasted on San Marino in the second half too, with Emile Smith Rowe, Tyrone Mings, Tammy Abraham and Bukayo Saka getting on the scoresheet.
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The last team to be beaten so soundly by England was the USA back - when LBJ was still president.
Kane is now tied with Gary Lineker on goals scored - after taking his haul with the national side to 48.
After the game he said: “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. 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.”
Could the game have been any more one-sided? Probably not:
FULL-TIME! San Marino 0-10 England
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 15, 2021
A game that could have gone either way, but England edged the big moments.
The James Milner parody account piled in with some droll humour:
I told the Mrs I would drink a cup of tea for every time England scored tonight. I've had 10 cups so far. I'm absolutely wired.
— Boring James Milner (@BoringMilner) November 15, 2021
There was a lot of love for Gareth Southgate, along with a lot of tongue in cheek comments about his defensive mindset...
We wouldn't have put 10 past anyone under previous managers.
— Andy (@LetsTalk_FPL) November 15, 2021
Southgate marches on.
England have scored 🔟 goals.
— 90min (@90min_Football) November 15, 2021
Who said Gareth Southgate was too defensive? 😉 pic.twitter.com/r0hkIvot9k
So many goals were flying in that some people at home thought they’d have a pretty good chance of scoring if they had the chance to play:
Sub me in Southgate I want a piece pic.twitter.com/xkCgNHxOdf
— KZ (@KEN7ZOLA) November 15, 2021
One buzzkill had a prediction for what the future might have in store:
England hammering teams so they can get to the quarters and lose
— Darren Conway (@darren_conway) November 15, 2021
But none of that negative chat could silence the rumble of fans wondering... is 2022 when it FINALLY comes home?
BREAKING: It’s coming home for Christmas in 2022 as England qualify for the Qatar World Cup pic.twitter.com/bE1yHQLvK0
— England Extra (@EnglandExtra) November 15, 2021
It’s coming home.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) November 15, 2021
Football’s coming home.
— ✈️ (@Arrizabalager) November 15, 2021
Elsewhere, Italy drew with Northern Ireland, which means the European champions will head to the play-offs for a chance to take part in the tournament. Ouch.
